Reporter — Chalkbeat Colorado
Should Colorado students wear masks in school next academic year? Most districts are still weighing their options.
School officials in many communities face competing pressures between public health guidance, parents who want a more “normal” school year for their children, and other parents who want to see COVID precautions remain in place
Colorado decline in participation of annual English fluency test prompts need for more analysis
The tests are usually used to help place students in appropriate English development classes, or to determine when they’ve learned enough English to stop requiring additional support
“Not waiting until summer”: Adams 14 leaders try to get ninth graders back on track after more than half fail two or more classes
Administrators blame a long period of online instruction because of coronavirus. Adams 12, Aurora also logged big increases in kids failing classes in pandemic conditions.
Colorado’s school custodians clean through staff shortages and uncertainty to keep buildings safe
Tony Arnold, Jeffco’s director of custodial services, said he wouldn’t describe the past year as changing the job, but just some of the focus
Some Colorado school districts are exploring new ways to reduce risk of COVID through air
Schools are adding filters to catch smaller particles of the coronavirus, and retrofitting heating and air conditioning systems. And some are trying newer methods to treat indoor air — although experts caution against unproven technologies.
Colorado school districts start announcing plans to return to in-person in January
Adams 14, Aurora and Cherry Creek are building in some remote learning days to the spring semester as they respond to the state's push to get kids back in the classroom
Most of Colorado’s largest districts are now only offering remote instruction
A Chalkbeat analysis of the 30 largest districts in the state shows 22 are now fully remote.
In Aurora, a bigger conversation about police in schools
In an open letter to the community in June, Aurora Superintendent Rico Munn argued that the phrase “defund the police” should not be seen as radical or scary
At least six Colorado school districts have reported coronavirus outbreaks among transportation employees
One of the larger outbreaks affected employees at a bus terminal for Jeffco Public Schools
Democrats to keep majority on Colorado State Board of Education
Three of the seven seats for State Board of Education were up for grabs, and only one of them featured an incumbent
Aurora working group presents draft plan to recruit and retain more teachers of color
This year, about 20% of Aurora's licensed staff members are employees of color — while 85% of the district's students are of color
Colorado school districts have to track attendance this year. Here’s what you need to know.
Colorado officials want to balance holding districts accountable for educating students and acknowledging that this school year isn’t exactly normal.
Figuring out school buses is just as complicated as reopening Colorado classrooms
Guidelines to limit the spread of COVID cut the number of students permitted on buses by two-thirds
Aurora school board struggling with who will decide when it’s safe to start in-person learning, and how
Aurora board members said they worry that public health guidance is being influenced by political and economic pressures
What is a cohort and how will it help Colorado schools keep students safe?
“It really is one of the most important tools we have,” said Therese Pilonetti, the institutions unit manager for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Aurora students will learn virtually for their first quarter this fall
Board member Nichelle Ortiz said board members have heard from principals who feel they aren’t ready, as well as from a number of other school staff
Classrooms will be risky. Virtual learning falls short. How are Colorado parents choosing?
Colorado school districts have been releasing plans, but have asked for patience as they keep working out some details
Jeffco Public Schools will allow all students to return to school buildings this fall
The district will also have a remote option for any students who want to keep learning from home
Colorado school districts fear coronavirus relief money won’t make up for budget cuts
Gov. Jared Polis has said repeatedly that he intends to give districts as much flexibility as possible, but federal rules deem that it be used by the end of the calendar year for purposes related to COVID response
