Author: kdoran

Take Action: Ask Policymakers to Update School Funding for our Students!

Legislation | 03/27/2024
Post author Krista Spurgin
Krista Spurgin Executive Director

Policymakers have developed a soon-to-be introduced proposal to update our 30-year-old school finance formula. 

This is our opportunity to impact generations of Colorado kids, make sure students who need the most support get it, and support our teachers in the classroom. 

The draft proposal calls for a school finance formula that sends more money per student to districts overall and also, dramatically increases how much school districts get for each student from a low-income household, each English Language Learner, and each student with a disability.

A lot has changed in 30 years…join us in supporting this effort to update the way Colorado funds schools.  

Send an email to your Senator and Representative to ask them to support this effort to update the way Colorado funds schools!

Policy Priority: Addressing the Teacher Shortage and Increasing Educator Diversity

Safe and Supportive Schools and Communities | 03/13/2024
Post author Bri Buentello
Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

Legislation to help address Colorado’s educator shortage and increase teacher diversity is being considered.  HB24-1290, Student Educator Stipend Program, appropriates annual funding for stipends for student teachers. This bill is part of a multi-year effort designed to remove barriers in educator preparation to increase educator diversity and address Colorado’s teacher shortage.

The need to work 40 hours a week student teaching, without pay, has kept many talented educators out of the profession. In 2022, we championed HB22-1220, a law that, in addition to other measures, put in place a student educator stipend program for candidates that meet certain requirements. HB24-1290 seeks to continue that program. 

Addressing Our Teacher Shortage

Colorado school districts report having a variety of open positions for the school year. Nearly 15% of the total teaching positions in Colorado were open sometime during the 2022-23 school year. 8.7% of those positions remained unfilled for the entire year.

As Colorado continues to experience challenges with a shortage of educators, a 2024 report from the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) reports the student teacher stipend is showing promising results after the first year, “The first year of the educator stipend program has shown that providing funding to educator candidates increases their chances of program completion and bolsters candidates’ confidence in their abilities to serve as competent Colorado educators.”

According to a Report from CDHE on the implementation of HB22-1220:
  • 78% of teaching candidates eligible for the stipend said, “the stipend was essential to them becoming a teacher or counselor.”
  • 34% of respondents indicated that they were considering delaying or dropping out of their programs due to financial issues before receiving the stipends.

Capitol Week In Review: 8

Capitol Week in Review | 03/2/2024
Post author Bri Buentello
Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

Welcome to Capitol Week In Review, our newsletter keeping you informed about policy concerning educational equity and making our schools and communities more supportive.  You will also hear from us about opportunities to engage in advocacy on topics important to you. 

Legislation of Interest

HB24-1282, Ninth-Grade Success Grant & Performance Reporting, is scheduled to be heard by the House Education Committee, on March 6th.  This bill expands funding for the 9th Grade Success Grant Program, which provides funding to schools to implement a ninth-grade success program.

HB24-1003, Opiate Antagonists and Detection Products in Schools, expands upon current law to allow schools to maintain a supply of opiate antagonists on school buses and allows school bus operators to administer them in good faith. The bill was passed by the House. 

HB24-1323, School Graduation Attire, allows preschool, public school, or university students to wear or display religious or cultural regalia at a graduation ceremony. The bill was passed by the House Education Committee.

SB24-049, Content of Material in Libraries, establishes a process for people to object to a library resource in a school or public library, and creates a framework for reviewing/removing materials. The bill was postponed indefinitely by the Senate Education Committee. 

Our Take: The Family Affordability Tax Credit will cut child poverty in Colorado by half

Despite having one of the fastest growing economies in the United States, Colorado is unaffordable for working families and more than 133,000 children are living in poverty. We’re excited to support the Family Affordability Tax Credit, also known as HB 23-1311. The Family Affordability Tax Credit will put more money into the hands of working families and cut child poverty in Colorado by half, by distributing a portion of the State’s $1.8 billion TABOR surplus directly to families who need it most.

Take Action: Ask House Education Committee to support 9th Grade Success

The House Education Committee is scheduled to hear HB24-1282, Ninth-Grade Success Grant & Performance Reporting, on March 6th. This bill expands funding for the 9th Grade Success Grant Program, which will allow more Colorado schools to implement the approach changing the trajectory for our high school students.

Decades of research has shown that supporting students by implementing a 9th grade success approach improves graduation rates, and the impacts in Colorado schools speak for themselves. 

eMAIL THE house education committee

What We’re Reading

Chalkbeat Colorado, Colorado bill to curb book bans in school and public libraries voted down in education committee

Chalkbeat Colorado, 2024 Colorado General Assembly: The people’s guide to following education issues

Capitol Week In Review: 7

Capitol Week in Review | 02/26/2024
Post author Bri Buentello
Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

Welcome to Capitol Week In Review, our newsletter keeping you informed about policy concerning educational equity and making our schools and communities more supportive.  You will also hear from us about opportunities to engage in advocacy on topics important to you. 

Legislation of Interest

HB24-1282, Ninth-Grade Success Grant & Performance Reporting, is scheduled to be heard by the House Education Committee, on March 6th.  This bill expands funding for the 9th Grade Success Grant Program, which provides funding to schools to implement a ninth-grade success program.

HB24-1133, Criminal Record Sealing & Expungement Changes, addresses issues raised through the implementation of Colorado’s “Clean Slate” policy, which automatically seals the criminal records of individuals who are convicted of a non-violent offense once certain conditions have been met. The bill was passed unanimously by the House Judiciary Committee and referred to the House Appropriations Committee. 

HB24-1311, Family Affordability Tax Credit, was introduced in the House. The bill creates a family affordability tax credit and will distribute a portion of the state’s $1.8 billion TABOR surplus to families, including those making up to $95,000 a year, to help cover the rising costs of housing, food, and child care. 

HB24-1136, Healthier Social Media Use by Youth, was passed unanimously by the House Educations Committee and referred to the House Appropriations Committee. The bill requires the Department of Education to compile a bank of evidence-based program materials regarding the mental health impacts of social media use by children and teens.

Our Take: Implementing Clean Slate Gives People the Opportunity to Thrive

Nearly a third of Colorado’s population is currently listed in state databases as having a criminal record -many for a single, low-level, and non-violent offense.


We are thrilled that The House Judiciary Committee unanimously passed HB24-1133, Criminal Record Sealing & Expungement Changes. This bipartisan legislation makes important updates and clarifications to Colorado’s landmark “clean slate” policy (SB22-099) which was signed into law in 2022. These updates are needed to ensure our clean slate policy can be implemented successfully. 

Removing barriers to housing and employment by automatically sealing criminal records of non-violent offenders equips everyone with the opportunity to provide for their families and become more productive citizens. 

Take Action: Watch “standing with Center”

In 2019, school leaders in Center, Colorado were alarmed as their high school graduation rates dropped to the lowest in the state. Now, they’re among the highest.  Our team at the Colorado Center for High School Success partnered with educators at Center High School to implement a ninth grade on-track approach that is changing the trajectory for their students and community. 

We must work to ensure that more students in Colorado can access this support, and that’s why we are championing HB24-1282, which expands funding for the 9th Grade Success Grant Program.

What We’re Reading

Chalkbeat Colorado, 2024 Colorado General Assembly: The people’s guide to following education issues

9th Grade Success in the San Luis Valley

High School Success | 02/23/2024
Post author Krista Spurgin
Krista Spurgin Executive Director

In 2019, school leaders in Center, Colorado were alarmed as their high school graduation rates dropped to the lowest in the state. Now, they’re among the highest.

Our team at the Colorado Center for High School Success partnered with educators at Center High School to implement a ninth grade on-track approach that is changing the trajectory for their students and community. We are honored to share this Colorado success story in a video. 

Decades of research shows that supporting students by implementing a 9th grade success approach improves graduation rates. The work in Center was supported by a 9th Grade Success Grant from the Colorado Department of Education. 

This year, we are working to ensure that more students in Colorado can access this support through 9th grade on-track programming. HB24-1282 expands funding for the 9th Grade Success Grant Program, which will allow more Colorado schools to implement the approach that is helping students across our state succeed in high school and graduate on time.

Bill to Support High School Student Success Introduced

High School Success | 02/15/2024
Post author Bri Buentello
Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

HB24-1282, Ninth-Grade Success Grant & Performance Reporting, was introduced. This bill expands funding for the 9th Grade Success Grant Program, which will allow more Colorado schools to implement the approach changing the trajectory for our high school students.

Decades of research has shown that supporting students by implementing a 9th grade success approach improves graduation rates, and the impacts in Colorado schools speak for themselves.

Englewood, High School

“It has allowed us to set the bar high and then provide the supports that our students need in order to be able to reach that bar and achieve. Our 10th grade teachers have said they have seen the positive impact that our Ninth Grade Academy has had on our kids,”

Jamie Pollett, Dean of Instruction & Assessment and 9th Grade Administrator

Poudre High School



“The data shows us that it’s the right work. We’re keeping students on-track, and it’s resulting in better student outcomes, including increases in our on-time graduation rates,”




Kathy Mackay, Principal

Center High School


“In addition to graduation rates going from 59% to a 79%, we have seen our 9th grade GPA increase 28%, and the number of behavior referrals given to freshman has decreased by 67%.  We believe this to be a direct result of the added emphasis of targeted support for these students,”


Katrina Ruggles, Counselor

HB24-1282 will allow more schools to use these proven approaches to support Colorado students. 

9th grade on-track work includes implementing targeted interventions, transition supports, school-based teaching teams, certain instructional approaches, and more.  Schools doing this work must invest financially and increase staff collaboration.

We will share more soon about how you can join us in advocating for this critical legislation.

Capitol Week In Review

Capitol Week in Review | 02/13/2024
Post author Bri Buentello
Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

Welcome to Capitol Week In Review, our newsletter keeping you informed about policy concerning educational equity and making our schools and communities more supportive.  You will also hear from us about opportunities to engage in advocacy on topics important to you. 

Legislation of Interest

HB24-1133, Criminal Record Sealing & Expungement Changes, addresses issues raised through the implementation of Colorado’s “Clean Slate” policy, which automatically seals the criminal records of individuals who are convicted of a non-violent offense once certain conditions have been met. The bill is scheduled to be heard by the House Judiciary Committee, February 21st. 

HB24-1003, Opiate Antagonists and Detection Products in Schools, expands upon current law to allow schools to maintain a supply of opiate antagonists on school buses and allows school bus operators to administer them in good faith. The bill was passed unanimously by the House Education Committee. 

SB24-053, Racial Equity Study, requires the state historical society to conduct a study to determine historical and ongoing effects of slavery and subsequent systemic racism on Black Coloradans that may be attributed to state policies, and to identify measures to address those effects. The bill was passed by the Senate Committee on Finance and referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

HB24-1004, Ex-Offenders Practice in Regulated Occupations, creates a process for ex-offenders to receive authorization to practice in state-regulated occupations. The bill is scheduled to be heard by the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee on February 15th.

Our Take: Implementing Clean Slate Gives People the Opportunity to Thrive

Nearly a third of Colorado’s population is currently listed in state databases as having a criminal record -many for a single, low-level, and non-violent offense.

Nearly a third of Colorado’s population is currently listed in state databases as having a criminal record -many for a single, low-level, and non-violent offense. For these Coloradans, the stigma of a criminal record can create ongoing obstacles to long-term employment, education, and housing. 

SB22-099 was signed into law in 2022, to automatically seal the criminal records of individuals who are convicted of a non-violent offense once they have completed their sentence, a waiting period, and not committed another criminal offense.

In order for this landmark legislation to be implemented successfully, certain clarifications need to be made by the legislature now.

HB24-1133, Criminal Record Sealing & Expungement Changes, is bipartisan legislation to address parts of SB22-099 that need to be clarified. When people can provide for themselves and their children, all Coloradans benefit. This proposed update improves outcomes for individuals, children, and entire families.  

Take Action: Ask the House Judiciary Committee to Support Clean Slate for Colorado Families!

On February 21st, The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear HB24-1133, which will ensure Colorado’s “clean slate” law can be successfully implemented to automatically seal the criminal records of individuals who are convicted of a non-violent offense.

Email House Judiciary Committee

Please email House Judiciary Committee members and ask them to support HB24-1133 to ensure our clean slate policy can be implemented successfully. 

What We’re Reading

Chalkbeat Colorado, Why some Colorado lawmakers say funding for K-12 schools is at 1989 levels

Chalkbeat Colorado, 2024 Colorado General Assembly: The people’s guide to following education issues

Capitol Week In Review

Capitol Week in Review | 02/2/2024
Post author Bri Buentello
Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

Welcome to Capitol Week In Review, our newsletter keeping you informed about policy concerning educational equity and making our schools and communities more supportive.  You will also hear from us about opportunities to engage in advocacy on topics important to you. 

Legislation of Interest

HB24-1003, Opiate Antagonists and Detection Products in Schools, expands upon current law to allow schools to maintain a supply of opiate antagonists on school buses and allows school bus operators to administer them in good faith. The House Education Committee is scheduled to hear the bill Thursday, February 8th. 

SB24-053, Racial Equity Study, requires the state historical society to conduct a study to determine historical and ongoing effects of slavery and subsequent systemic racism on Black Coloradans that may be attributed to state policies, and to identify measures to address those effects. The Senate Committee on State, Veteran and Military Affairs Committee passed the bill.

HB24-1004, Ex-Offenders Practice in Regulated Occupations, creates a process for ex-offenders to receive authorization to practice in state-regulated occupations. The bill is scheduled to be heard by the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee on Thursday, February 8th. 

HB24-1133, Criminal Record Sealing & Expungement Changes, addresses issues raised through the implementation of Colorado’s “Clean Slate” policy, which automatically seals the criminal records of individuals who are convicted of a non-violent offense once certain conditions have been met. The bill expands eligibility for automatic criminal record sealing for individuals arrested due to mistaken identity, for those acquitted, and convictions for offenses that are no longer considered illegal under new state statute. This bill was introduced in the House.

Our Take: Englewood High School Demonstrates Benefits of Investing in 9th Grade Success Work

Englewood’s on-track rate went from
73% to 86%
this last semester

Englewood High School has been implementing a 9th grade success approach in partnership with our Colorado Center for High School Success for two years. Their 9th Grade Academy is a robust effort to support students by implementing proven interventions to increase the number of 9th graders on-track to graduate by the end of the year.

See How Englewood High School’s 9th Grade Academy is Improving Student Outcomes

Colorado schools and districts that are investing time and money implementing a ninth grade on-track approach continue to demonstrate results for students. That is why we are advocating to increase funding for the Colorado 9th Grade Success Grant Program, and make it a permanent program

Take Action: ADVOCATE FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR Colorado youth

The need for mental health supports for Colorado children is greater than ever before, and the legislature is considering legislation to help. 

Send Your Email

SB24-001, will continue indefinitely, the “I Matter” youth mental health services program which provides up to six free therapy sessions and reimburses participating licensed therapists. SB24-001 cleared the first legislative hurdle when it was passed by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. It will be considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee in the coming weeks.

At a time when there are many things competing for limited resources, Senators need to hear that supporting our children’s mental health is a top priority for you. Children’s Hospital Colorado declared a “state of emergency” in youth mental health in May 2021 due to striking increases in the number of Colorado kids and teens arriving in emergency rooms seeking support in a mental health crisis.

Email your Senator and ask them to support SB24-001.

What We’re Reading

Colorado Public Radio, After 30 years, a new way to fund Colorado’s schools is ready for lawmakers’ eyes

Colorado Public Radio, Racial equity study bill passes first hearing at Colorado legislature

Chalkbeat Colorado, 2024 Colorado General Assembly: The people’s guide to following education issues

How Englewood High School’s Ninth Grade Academy Is Improving Student Outcomes

High School Success | 02/1/2024
Post author Kate Dando Doran
Kate Dando Doran Director of Communications

The Stand Colorado team joined our Center for High School Success partner school, Englewood High School, for their celebration of ninth grade students on-track to graduate this semester. This celebration is one part of their successful Ninth Grade Academy.




Englewood’s on-track rate went from 73% to 86% this last semester, and they are closing gaps with Latino students.

Englewood has been implementing a 9th grade success approach in partnership with the Colorado Center for High School Success for two years. Their 9th Grade Academy is a robust effort to support students by implementing proven interventions to increase the number of 9th graders on-track to graduate by the end of their 9th grade year. It is clear their work is showing results –their on-track rate went from 73% to 86% this last semester, and they are closing gaps with Latino students.

Students who are “on-track,” meaning they have no more than one F, at the end of their 9th grade year are three times more likely to graduate from high school than their off-track peers. 

“Creating the Ninth Grade Academy has really helped us to be proactive instead of reactive. It gives us the forum to teach kids study skills, social and emotional skills, and self advocacy. It has allowed us to set the bar high and then provide the supports that our students need in order to be able to reach that bar and achieve. Our 10th grade teachers have said they have seen the positive impact that our Ninth Grade Academy has had on our kids. And hopefully, we’ll continue to see that positive impact as they move up through the grades,” said Jamie Pollett, Dean of Instruction & Assessment and 9th Grade Administrator.

The 9th Grade Academy at Englewood Includes:

  • Pirate 101 – a semester long class that engages 9th grade students in everything from team building and life skills, to learning the school fight song and how to get around the school, to how to meet with your teacher for support and community service.
  • Kid Talks and Empathy Interviews – Kid Talks are regular every other Wednesday meetings of the entire 9th grade teaching team, structured around individual student data. This time is spent discussing students in need of support, gathering information from each teacher’s perspective, and crafting a plan to support improvement with specific interventions. Empathy interviews are when the student meets with the 9th grade team so that the educators can better understand the student’s experience and inform next steps.
  • 9th grade orientation- an introduction to the school and being a high school student. Next year, Englewood will implement a 9th grade bridge program. This will enable 9th grade teachers to review data from 8th grade students and pre-fill gaps prior to school even starting.
  • Consistent expectations and routines in all core classes and electives so students have clarity about what is expected of them.
  • After school tutorials
  • On-track to graduate celebrations – to check in with students throughout the year and celebrate those that are on-track to graduate.
In Their Words

“In the last two years since we started doing this (Pirate 101) we are seeing kids are more involved in activities and sports. The data shows improvements in attendance and PSAT scores. It makes sense – if you feel involved in a school, you’re going to do better academically.”

SEAN STETLER, SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER AND 9TH GRADE SUCCESS TEAM MEMBER

9th grade student, Ivan Flores Gutierrez, explained that he learned skills in the Pirate 101 course and other aspects of 9th Grade Academy, that led him to advocate to be placed in an advanced placement course. His teacher agreed, and he is now taking two advanced classes and thriving.  “Being celebrated that you are on track gives people hope that they can do well in school.”

Ivan Flores Gutierrez, 9th grade student

“Before we implemented this program, the 9th grade team did not have the structures in place to meet regularly and talk about kids and how we can support them. What we do now is we get together and look at data, and we make a plan to support each student.”

Rosemary Wulf, physics teacher and 9th Grade Success Team member

ACTION ALERT: Ask Your Senator to Support Youth Mental Health Program

Legislation | 01/31/2024
Post author Bri Buentello
Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

The need for mental health supports for Colorado children is greater than ever before, and the legislature is considering legislation to help. 

SB24-001, will continue indefinitely, the “I Matter” youth mental health services program which provides up to six free therapy sessions and reimburses participating licensed therapists. SB24-001 was just passed by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and will be considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee soon.

At a time when there are many things competing for limited resources, Senators need to hear that supporting our children’s mental health is a top priority for you. Children’s Hospital Colorado declared a “state of emergency” in youth mental health in May 2021 due to striking increases in the number of Colorado kids and teens arriving in emergency rooms seeking support in a mental health crisis.

 Email your Senator and ask them to support SB24-001.

Email Your Senator

Almost 11,000 children and teens have used the program already. If SB24-001 is not passed, the “I Matter” program will end this summer.

Please weigh in today.

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