Tag: legislation

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

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.

Capitol Week In Review

Capitol Week in Review | 01/29/2024
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

SB24-001, Continue Youth Mental Health Services Program, which will continue the “I Matter” youth mental health services program indefinitely, was amended and passed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. It was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. 

SB 24-034, Increase Access to School-Based Health Care, authorizes grants for evidence-informed, school-linked healthcare services which may include primary healthcare, behavioral, oral, and preventive healthcare services. The bill is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Education Committee on January 29th. 

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. It is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Education Committee, February 12th. 

HB24-1070, Allowing Certain Items at School Graduation, allows preschool, public school, or university students to wear or display religious or cultural regalia at a graduation ceremony. It is scheduled to be heard by the House Education Committee, February 7th. 

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 is scheduled to be heard by the House Education Committee, February 8th. 

HB24-1063, Addressing Abbreviated School Days, is scheduled to be heard by the House Education Committee, February 22nd. The bill clarifies what constitutes an “abbreviated school day” and seeks to address the effect of abbreviated school days on children with disabilities in public schools.

Our Take

Let’s Improve Colorado’s Recidivism Rates

One of our policy priorities this legislative session is to expand opportunities for remote reporting via online platform or phone for individuals under parole or probation. This enables the use of technology to ensure people can meet the requirements of their parole or probation while supporting their ability to work, seek education, care for children, or other responsibilities.  

By providing comprehensive support and opportunities for reintegration, we not only reduce the risk of recidivism but also contribute to a more productive and inclusive society.  

Currently, lower-risk individuals under probation or parole supervision in Colorado may have the option to check in virtually with their supervising officers in some parts of the state. However, this option varies across the Colorado and we aim t change that. By providing comprehensive support and opportunities for reintegration, we not only reduce the risk of recidivism but also contribute to a more productive and inclusive society.  

Take Action

Follow Us!

Are we in your feed yet on TikTok and Instagram? This is the best way to get regular updates about the policies we’re tracking, what is happening at the Capitol, and opportunities for you to advocate for legislation that is important to you. 

Follow Us!

What We’re Reading

Chalkbeat Colorado, Colorado bill to make free youth therapy permanent moves forward

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

Capitol Week IN Review

Capitol Week in Review | 01/19/2024
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. 

Legislative Update

SB24-001, Continue Youth Mental Health Services Program, which will continue the “I Matter” youth mental health services program indefinitely, was introduced in the Senate.  

SB 24-034, Increase Access to School-Based Health Care, was introduced in the Senate. The bill authorizes grants for evidence-informed, school-linked health-care services which may include primary health-care, behavioral health-care, oral health-care, and preventive health-care services.

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 introduced in the House. 

HB24-1063, Addressing Abbreviated School Days, was introduced in the House. The bill clarifies what constitutes an “abbreviated school day” and seeks to address the effect of abbreviated school days on children with disabilities in public schools.

HB24-1070, Allowing Certain Items at School Graduation, was introduced in the House. The bill allows a preschool, public school, or university students to wear/display religious or cultural regalia at a graduation ceremony.

Our Take

Increasing Graduation Rates by Investing in 9th Grade On-Track

9th grade has come to be well known as the make-or-break year.  How well students perform academically in 9th grade can predict their future success.  To be “on-track” means a 9th grade student has earned at least a quarter of the credits needed to graduate and received no more than one F in any course. Research shows that on-track status is a stronger predictor of high school graduation than race/ethnicity, level of poverty, and test scores combined!   

9th  Grade Success programming includes targeted interventions, transition supports, school-based teaching teams, and certain instructional approaches. 

This year, we are advocating for legislators to increase funding for the Colorado 9th Grade Success Grant Program, and make it a permanent program. This will allow more Colorado schools to participate in the 9th Grade Success Grant Program, which is changing the trajectory for many Colorado high schoolers.

Take Action

Follow Us on TikTok

Did you know we are on TikTok now? Stay informed about ways to advocate for what matters to you by following us for regular updates. Next week, we are launching a series about the legislature, policymaking, and advocacy. Don’t miss it! 

Follow Us!

What We’re Reading

Chalkbeat Colorado, Five things to know about how Colorado leaders propose to reshape workforce education

Chalkbeat Colorado, Colorado becomes one of the first to employ an incarcerated professor

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

Colorado Sun, Colorado’s 2024 legislative session begins today. Here’s your guide to get involved

Capitol Week IN Review

Capitol Week in Review | 01/16/2024
Post author Bri Buentello
Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

Happy New Year! Welcome to Capitol Week In Review, our newsletter keeping you informed about legislation concerning educational equity and making our schools and communities more supportive.   The 2024 Colorado Legislative Session convened January 10th and for the next five months, policymakers will be making decisions that affect our communities, students, educators, and families. 

Legislative Update

The Second Session of the 74th General Assembly kicked off this week with mostly pomp and circumstance. Members were sworn in, committee assignments were made, and legislation started being introduced. 

Education Committees
Judiciary Committees
Joint Budget Committee
State of the state address

Governor Jared Polis delivered his State of the State address this week, highlighting housing, transit, public safety and other priorities. He celebrated the multi-year effort to fund free full-day Kindergarten and preschool for Colorado families and applauded legislators for acting to support policy and funding to “ensure more than 300,000 Colorado children have healthy meals through Summer EBT.”

Governor Polis also outlined plans to eliminate the Budget Stabilization Factor saying, “This historic investment means an additional $705 per student on average, or another $15,500 more for a classroom of 22 kids. This is on top of last year’s increase of more than $1,000 per student, made possible by this legislature. 

It means better teacher pay, expanded learning opportunities for students, professional development for teachers, and better resources in our classrooms.” 

You can watch the recording here. 

Take Action

Get Involved!  At Stand Colorado, we deeply believe that policymaking is most effective when the voices of those impacted are at the center of decision-making. Want more regular updates about key bills and opportunities to engage? Follow us on social media to stay informed about ways to advocate for what matters to you!  

While legislators are the ones introducing and voting on the bills, YOU can play a critical role too. We believe in the power of community, so we are here to support you if you want to get involved. 

What We’re Reading

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

Colorado Sun, 8 storylines to watch at the Colorado Capitol this year as the 2024 legislative session begins

Policy Priority: Help Us Increase Graduation Rates & Change the Trajectory for Colorado Students!

High School Success | 12/21/2023
Post author
Stand for Children

Colorado has expanded the number of schools implementing a 9th grade success approach. One of our top priorities for next year is to work with the legislature to expand funding for the 9th Grade Success Grant Program.  

How well students perform academically in 9th grade can predict their future success.

Last week, the State Board of Education named 27 schools across Colorado recipients of 9th Grade Success Grants. Let’s ensure that even more students are finishing 9th grade on-track by expanding funding for more Colorado schools. 

JOIN US

Decades of research has shown that supporting students by implementing a 9th Grade Success approach improves graduation rates. In fact, 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.  On-track status is a stronger predictor of high school graduation than race/ethnicity, level of poverty, and test scores combined!  

Join us and stay in engaged in this work when the legislature convenes in January. Sign up, and we will email you when there are opportunities to advocate for our high school students. 

Our Work Together Next Year -Please Weigh in!

Legislation | 09/22/2023
Post author Krista Spurgin
Krista Spurgin Executive Director

We spent time this summer in conversation with parents, educators, policymakers, and community members. Now our team has identified goals that build upon our impact in recent years and act on what we heard in listening sessions. Will you please weigh in on our plans?  

Our Goals for Next Year:

  • Early Literacy
    • Understanding how to better support educators to use the science of reading and evidence-based curriculums and practices in their literacy instruction.
  • Ninth Grade Success
    • Expanding funding for the Ninth Grade Success Grant program.
  • Supportive Schools
    • Promoting educator diversity by securing continued funding for policies that create equity in teacher preparation and alternative pathways to enter the workforce.
  • Justice System Reform
    • Helping prevent recidivism in our justice system by updating probation and parole supervision to include remote check-in options.
    • Expanding access to criminal record sealing for non-violent offenses, helping to remove barriers to housing and employment.
    • Reducing unjust fees for incarcerated individuals and their families. 

We cannot do this work alone – we need your help! Read more about our priorities and let us know which ones you are interested in working with us to advance.  

Capitol Week in Review

Capitol Week in Review | 03/24/2023
Post author Bri Buentello
Bri Buentello Government Affairs Advisory

Capitol Week in Review brings you news of bills we are tracking around our priorities of advancing educational equity and racial justice in Colorado and making our schools and communities safer and more supportive.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

HB23-1001, Expanding Assistance For Educator Programs, which supports student teachers toward the goal of diversifying the teacher workforce, was sent to the Governor for signature. 

HB23-1003, School Mental Health Assessment, which creates the sixth through twelfth grade mental health assessment program was passed on third readings by the House. 

HB23-1089, Special Education Services For Students In Foster Care, which designates students in out-of-home placements as residents of the school district of their school of origin to increase stability and learning success, passed on third readings out of the House.  

HB22-1112, Earned Income And Child Tax Credits, which increases percentages of the federal credit that a resident individual can claim for the child tax credit on their state income tax and requires the Department of Revenue to adjust for inflation, is scheduled to be heard in the House Finance Committee on March 27.  

HB23-1151, Clarifications To 48-hour Bond Hearing Requirement, passed unanimously out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Current law requires an individual who is in jail to be brought before a judge for a bond hearing within 48-hours of arriving at the jail. This bill builds off previous bail reform to further clarify that medical emergencies or addiction treatment is an exception to the 48-hour rule, that the hearing can be held remotely or even through a phone call. 

HB23-1169, Limit Arrest For Low-level Offenses, which prohibits a peace officer from arresting a person based solely on the alleged commission of a petty offense, except for high level misdemeanors directly impacting victims (e.g. theft), was rescheduled to be heard by the House Judiciary Committee March 28.  

HB23-1235, Technical Modification To Department Of Early Childhood, which makes technical changes HB22-1295, which created Colorado’s universal preschool program, is scheduled to be heard on March 29 in the House Education Committee. This bill would allow the Department of Early Childhood to enter into contracts for early literacy programming and whole-child services, and ensures policy is aligned to current state and federal standards was introduced in the House and assigned to the House Education Committee.  

HB23-1241, Task Force To Study K-12 Accountability System, which creates a task force to study academic opportunities, inequities, practices in schools, and improvements to the accountability and accreditation system, is scheduled to be heard on March 29 in the House Education Committee.  

HB23-1249, Reduce Justice Involvement for Young Children, was introduced in the House. This bill changes the minimum age – from 10 to 13 – of children who are subject to prosecution in juvenile court; except in the case of homicide.  

SB23-039, Reduce Child And Incarcerated Parent Separation, which requires the Department of Human Services to prioritize and facilitate communication and family time between children and their parents who are incarcerated, passed second readings in the Senate.  

Our Take 

As we shared in last week’s edition of Capitol Week in Review, increasing funding for the Ninth Grade Success Grant program is a top priority of Stand Colorado. 9th grade has come to be well known as the make-or-break year. How well students perform academically in 9th grade can predict their future success. The first year in high school has a huge impact on whether students graduate. In fact, students who end 9th grade on-track are three times more likely to graduate from high school than their off-track peers. (toandthrough.uchicago.edu)  

In Colorado, the Center for High School Success (CHSS), a Stand for Children program, partners with four districts who receive funds through the Ninth Grade Success Grant Program. In the 2021-22 school year, On-Track Rates in schools that partner with CHSS in Colorado grew an average of 19 percentage points, drastically increasing the number of students who will graduate in 2025.   

It’s clear that implementing a focused 9th grade success is changing the trajectory for Colorado students. By ensuring that students finish their 9th grade year on-track, we ensure students graduate high school prepared for post-secondary success. 

Learn more here. 

Take Action 

The House Appropriations Committee is considering HB23-1231, a bill to support math educators with evidence-based training and interventions to help K- 12th grade students struggling in math. The bill also includes $1.6 million for the Ninth Grade Success Grant program to help ensure that more Colorado students finish their 9th grade year on-track and graduate high school prepared for post-secondary success. Ask the Appropriations Committee to support HB23-1231 with one click!

What We’re Reading 

Chalkbeat’s Education Bill Tracker  

9th Grade Success: An Approach Worth Investing In

High School Success | 03/18/2023
Post author Krista Spurgin
Krista Spurgin Executive Director

Why 9th Grade Matters  

9th grade has come to be well known as the make-or-break year. How well students perform academically in 9th grade can predict their future success. The first year in high school has a huge impact on whether students graduate. In fact, students who end 9th grade on-track are three times more likely to graduate from high school than their off-track peers. (toandthrough.uchicago.edu) 

To be on-track means a 9th grade student has earned at least a quarter of the credits needed to graduate and received no more than one F in any course. Research shows that on-track status is a stronger predictor of high school graduation than race/ethnicity, level of poverty, and test scores combined!  

At Stand Colorado, we prioritize policy solutions and implementation efforts to ensure that high schools across the state are implementing a 9th grade success approach, a proven strategy to improve graduation rates.  

What’s happening in Colorado  

In 2019, the Colorado state legislature created the Ninth Grade Success Grant Program. Informed by the research around 9th grade success, the grant supports schools to implement key components of a 9th grade success approach including establishing Ninth Grade Teams, implementing data systems and transition programs, and providing targeted instructional support for ninth grade students. Stand Colorado championed efforts to secure $800K for the Grant Program to maximize the number of Colorado students who finish 9th grade on-track.  

There are currently nine Colorado school districts receiving funds through the grant. In Colorado, the Center for High School Success (CHSS), a Stand for Children program, partners with four of those districts, Denver Public Schools, Center Consolidated Schools 26JT, Poudre, and Pueblo 60, to increase 9th Grade On-Track Rates. Colorado’s Center for High School Success, which currently partners with eight total districts across Colorado provides coaching, training, collaboration, and data and technical support. In the 2021-22 school year, On-Track Rates in schools that partner with CHSS in Colorado grew an average of 19 percentage points, drastically increasing the number of students who will graduate in 2025.  

It’s clear that implementing a focused 9th grade success is changing the trajectory for Colorado students. By ensuring that students finish their 9th grade year on-track, we ensure students graduate high school prepared for post-secondary success.  

Take Action 

The House is considering HB23-1231, a bill to support math educators with evidence-based training and interventions to help K- 12th grade students struggling in math. The bill also includes $1.6 million for the Ninth Grade Success Grant program to help ensure that more Colorado students finish their 9th grade year on-track and graduate high school prepared for post-secondary success. Ask your representative to support HB23-1231 with one click!   

EMAIL LAWMAKERS

Let’s Support Educators in Improving Math Outcomes for Students

High School Success | 03/17/2023
Post author Krista Spurgin
Krista Spurgin Executive Director

On Thursday, March 16 the House Education Committee heard HB23-1231: Math In Pre-kindergarten Through Twelfth Grade, which requires CDE to create and offer free, optional trainings in evidence-based practices in mathematics, including a training specifically designed for elementary school educators and a training specifically designed for secondary school mathematics educators. The bill also amends the ninth-grade success grant program and requires the CDE to prioritize applicants that propose programming focused on evidence-based mathematics skills and intervention strategies, including a focus on students who are below grade level or struggling in mathematics and have academic achievement levels in mathematics that are consistently ranked the lowest for public high schools in the state. Funding for the Ninth Grade Success Grant program is a top priority of Stand Colorado. Below is the testimony in support of HB23-1231 of Krista Spurgin, Stand Executive Director.

“Good afternoon Mr. Chair, House Education Committee Members, my name is Krista Spurgin and the Executive Director with Stand for Children Colorado. Stand for Children is an education advocacy and racial justice nonprofit that supports parents, teachers, and community members in their fight for excellent public schools and systems changes that directly impact all of Colorado’s kids.

We are very supportive of HB1231 as a whole and want to specifically speak to the section of this bill that increases funding for the 9th Grade Success Grant program and prioritizes schools focused on math.

The 9th Grade Year has been called the Make Or Break year because Students who are on track at the end of the 9th grade year – meaning they are passing core class such as math and are meeting attendance expectations – are 3 times more likely graduate on time.

Research actually shows that on-track status is a stronger predictor of high school graduation than race/ethnicity, level of poverty, and test scores combined!  

In School year 21-22 schools focused on 9th grade success work increased 9th grade on-track rates by an average of 19 percentage points putting 2,300 additional students on track to graduation.

We believe that prioritizing grantees that have a plan to focus on math is a great use of the funding and the program.  I appreciate your time today and ask for your support of HB23-1231.”

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