The Schools of Choice Unit, as directed by recent legislation Senate Bill 22-197, is seeking neutral third-party arbitrators who can assist with mediation when an innovation zone with alternative governance, a school within a zone or a district are looking to resolve disagreements regarding the administration of an innovation plan. CDE's Schools of Choice Unit will maintain the list for schools, zones and districts to refer to when seeking a neutral third party to help resolve disagreements.

In order to be eligible to be on this list, statute requires that arbitrators meet the following two conditions:

1. Arbitrator is either a member of the American Arbitration Association or is registered with Colorado’s Office of Dispute Resolution.
2. Arbitrator has experience with or knowledge of Innovation Schools.

Arbitrators interested in being added to the list should complete this Google form.

CDE will host the following grant-funded learning cohorts for the 2023-24 school year:

• Unfinished Math Instruction Learning Cohort (Elementary Math)
• Chronic Absenteeism Learning Cohort (Secondary)

Learning cohorts meet for three to six sessions for participants to share and observe practices and discuss strategies for implementation. Grant funding, up to $20,000, is available. Depending on the cohort, sessions will be on Zoom and/or in-person and include additional opportunities for professional learning.

Applications for grant-funded cohorts are due Friday, April 14.

View the Learning Cohort webpage to apply and access specific information on each cohort. 

The Federal Programs and Supports Unit is hosting spring Regional Network Meetings to support local education agencies in completing the 2023-24 Consolidated Application for ESEA Funds. LEAs are welcome to attend any session, regardless of region. Anyone who works on the consolidated application is welcome to attend.

• The virtual RNM on Wednesday, April 19, will provide an overview of the application functionality and highlight changes from the previous year's application.
• In-person regional work sessions in April and May will provide an opportunity for LEAs to workshop their applications with the support of ESEA specialists.
• Office hours Q&A in May will focus on answering questions related to the consolidated application.

Register for an RNM on the ESEA Regional Networking Meetings webpage.

The Colorado Department of Higher Education is encouraging students to get their piece of the financial aid pie by filling out the FAFSA and CAFSA. FAFSA is a student's ticket to scholarships, grants, work study and other financial aid that can put higher education dreams in reach. This year, Colorado has set a goal of reaching 52% completion.

Below are some ways to promote CAFSA and FAFSA:

• Share this letter signed by CDE and CDHE with students to encourage them to complete the FAFSA.
• Check your school’s FAFSA completion rate with CDHE's FAFSA Completion Tool. For questions about the tool, email [email protected].
• Watch the CDHE FAFSA Myth Busters series with Executive Director, Dr. Angie Paccione.
• Host a FAFSA night in your community. Check out this toolkit from the U.S. Department of Education for templates, tools, sample programming and more.

Visit CDHE's FAFSA webpage for additional information.