Budget cuts may not be needed

An analysis of the state budget seems to make it more likely that K-12 and higher education will escape budget cuts in 2012-13

End of the line for Life Skills

The State Board of Education voted 4-3 to uphold the Denver school board’s denial of a new charter for Life Skills High School.

Reverse transfer bill passes Senate

Updated – The Senate Thursday gave final approval to the reverse transfer bill designed to help more students earn associate’s degrees.

Successful day for education bills

Bills to exempt back-to-school purchases from sales taxes and to promote awarding college credit for life experience have advanced in the Colorado legislature.

More education pieces fall into place

Several significant pieces of education legislation were introduced in the Senate Tuesday, covering such issues as charter schools and coordination of early childhood services.

Key charter bills introduced

A second wave of education bills has been introduced in the 2012 General Assembly, including two pieces of charter legislation.

SBE trips over charter rules

It took some time and wrangling, but the State Board of Education Wednesday approved regulations on charter and online schools.

Tuesday Churn: Decision day

Legislative leaders meet today to pass judgment on bills proposed by over-the-summer study committees

A glaring omission from Hick’s Ed. Leadership Council

Almost eight months after declaring its creation by one of the first executive orders as governor, Gov. John Hickenlooper’s office released the appointments to the Education Leadership Council (ELC) about ten days ago, to little fanfare.

This is not very surprising; it is sometimes hard to get excited about another education-focused committee.  But, if the ELC lives up to its charge – which is to “provide a meaningful forum for educators, community members, business leaders and lawmakers to examine the current status of education policies and make recommendations to the governor, General Assembly and governing boards regarding long-term improvements” – then this actually should be a fairly important committee.

The 38-member ELC is a who’s who of education in Colorado, and understandably so considering the task it is embarking on.  Since this group is mapping out the future of education in Colorado, it should be all-encompassing.  As such, every major K-12 group or association’s interests are thoroughly represented (protected?) on the ELC.

All except for one, that is.  There is a glaring disparity in representation by charter schools, and I believe this is a real problem.  Let me explain.

Panel urges higher charter standards

A committee studying how districts authorize charters has finished its work with recommendations for the State Board of Education