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

Rhee pitches to supportive crowd

Education reformer Michelle Rhee brought her message of educational competitiveness, school choice and high student expectations to a friendly Denver audience Thursday.Video

Parent involvement bill passes Senate

Budget discussions dominated Monday at the Capitol, but two education bills advanced in the Senate and House.

Brutal day for education bills

The “kill committees” did their work Wednesday, defeating bills on charter facilities, state aid for private college students and regulation of school-management firms.

Another bite for teacher paychecks?

The amended version of a pension bill could mean less take-home pay for teachers. Plus roundup

Bill logjam breaks up a bit

Both houses worked through long calendars of backed-up floor work Friday, including 10 bills of interest to education.

Bills move, shrink, die

Mandatory physical activity in schools, charter school facilities, energy efficient schools and PERA were all in play at the Capitol Wednesday.

Party divisions shown in committee votes

Two of the session’s higher profile education bills, on resident tuition for undocumented students and on charter school facilities, were set up Friday for initial floor consideration.