January 2025 CDE Update for Superintendents and BOCES directors

Welcome to the CDE Update! This monthly publication for district superintendents and BOCES directors will show you what is happening in key priority areas at CDE and include details on implementation, milestones, deadlines and resources.

If you have any feedback regarding the CDE Update, email CDE_Communications_Office@cde.state.co.us.

Dear Superintendents and BOCES directors,

Happy New Year! I hope you had an opportunity to rest and recharge over the winter break.

January will be a busy month for our department as we prepare for two major data releases: the October count and the graduation/drop-out release. In addition, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) will release 2024 NAEP math and reading data at the end of this month. I’ve included key dates for our two data releases below, and we will keep you updated as we know more details of the NCES timeline for the NAEP release.

October Count Data Release

Wednesday, Jan. 8: State data shared with districts (under embargo until Jan. 15 at 9 a.m.)
Monday, Jan. 13: Embargoed media release and media briefing invitation shared with district communications leads (under embargo until Jan. 15, 9 a.m.)
Wednesday, Jan. 15: Media release goes out at 9 a.m. / Data posted on CDE website / media briefing at 9 a.m.

Graduation / Drop-out Data Release

Wednesday, Jan. 15: State data shared with districts (under embargo until Jan. 22 at 9 a.m.)
Wednesday, Jan. 15: Embargoed media release and media briefing invitation shared with district communications leads (under embargo until Jan. 22, time 9 a.m.)
Wednesday, Jan. 22: Media release goes out at 9 a.m. / Data posted on CDE website / media briefing at 9 a.m.

I hope to see you next week at the monthly superintendent Zoom meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 8 a.m. These optional meetings are always on the second Tuesday of each month at 8 a.m. on Zoom.

Thank you for all that you do,

Susana

Dr. Susana Córdova
Colorado Commissioner of Education

The U.S. Department of Education, in partnership with SAMHSA, has launched the Digital Well-Being Challenge for students aged 13+. Teams will create actionable solutions for the healthy use of social media and technology, attend a virtual summit with experts, and receive funding to implement their ideas. Check out the Amplifier Toolkit and apply by Thursday, Jan. 9. Please help us spread the word!

Educator Talent

Reminder: the ELPD requirement for licensure starts this year. Effective Sept. 1, teachers renewing licenses with an endorsement in elementary education, English language arts, math, science, social studies, or any middle-level subject must complete English Learner Professional Development (ELPD). If you already have an ELPD designation, you're all set! Contact educator_development@cde.state.co.us for questions.

Federal Programs

The U.S. Department of Education recently highlighted how federal funds—ESSA, IDEA, and Perkins—can support arts education. Superintendents can use these funds to expand arts access, foster creativity, and prepare students for future careers. Learn more about ESSA requirements on our website and find funding ideas on the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

Health & Nutrition

Senate Bill 24-142 supports a pilot program to combat rising tooth decay in children. CDPHE’s Oral Health Unit offers free screenings for kindergarten and 3rd-grade students in the 2024-25 school year. Interested? Learn more from the outreach letter or email Robyn Maestas at robyn.maestas@state.co.us.

Postsecondary Readiness icon of a graduation cap.

Postsecondary Readiness

We’re hosting Regional Capstone Workshops for schools and districts to learn about and apply the Colorado Capstone Implementation Criteria. Register here.
- Greeley: Wednesday, Jan. 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Denver: Tuesday, Jan. 28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Colorado Springs: Thursday, Feb. 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Save the date and sign up to receive information on our 2024-25 ICAP regional trainings. These sessions cover rule updates and integrating Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. The remaining sessions are:
- Denver Metro: Tuesday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Colorado Springs: Tuesday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Apply for advanced course enrollment grant by Wednesday, Jan. 15. Approximately $220,000 is available for Local Education Providers through the 2024-25 John W. Buckner Automatic Enrollment in Advanced Courses Grant, which is intended to increase secondary student enrollment in advanced courses.

School Quality & Support

We are offering virtual training for expulsion hearing officers! To support districts in compliance with House Bill 23-1291 (requiring expulsion hearing officers to complete a five-hour training program within thirty days of starting), we are offering training options. Email Jewel Sale at sale_j@cde.state.co.us with questions.
During the December State Board of Education meeting, the state board finalized state ratings for 2024. To view updated ratings over time files, visit the Performance Frameworks Results webpage. To access updated state accountability data visualizations see SchoolView.
Reminder: The UIP submission deadline for sites needing an extension (e.g., newly identified or involved in a request to reconsider) is Wednesday, Jan. 15. Feedback for plans submitted in October is now available in the Online UIP system - this feedback has been released on a rolling basis since mid-December. See guidance on CDE’s website for more information.
Districts with schools eligible to apply for Alternative Education Campus designation for the first time or after a lapse in AEC status must email April Thompson by Friday, Jan. 31 at thompson_april@cde.state.co.us to notify CDE of their intent to apply.