Education
Colorado plans to dramatically expand COVID-19 testing in schools next year, even as restrictions go away
The state is looking for companies to operate a massive testing program backed by $173M in federal funding
Declining birth rates, coupled with COVID disruptions, are driving down enrollment in Colorado public schools
The state counted about 1,200 fewer K-12 students this school year. Some analysts expect that, as birth rates continue to decrease, student enrollment in public schools won’t rebound.
Lamar and Yuma schools cling to Savages and Tribe after being told to drop Native American mascots
State Indian Affairs commission warns the eastern Colorado districts to find a Plan B or risk big fines.
New union-backed Denver school board renews charter schools despite some reluctance
Most board members spoke neutrally about charter schools, just one voted against them while another called his "yes" vote a reluctant one
Colorado is lowering teacher qualifications amid staff shortage a year before expanding preschool access
Gov. Jared Polis has touted the need to open high-quality preschool to more families, but with less-qualified educators in the classroom, programs could suffer.
The 7 biggest lines from Gov. Jared Polis’ 2022 State of the State address — and why they’re so notable
Colorado’s governor invoked Taylor Swift and Star Trek as he discussed his focus on saving people money and reducing crime
Colorado’s teacher shortage highlights need for more school funding, union boss says
The push to boost school funding and teacher pay comes as lawmakers are gearing up to debate just how much state money to give school districts next year
Colorado’s graduation rates fell last year. The drop was worse among students of color.
White students saw their graduation rates climb, while rates fell among Black, Hispanic, Native, migrant and homeless students
Colorado school dropped its Native American mascot but can’t get off list with others facing hefty state fine
The state Commission of Indian Affairs declined to remove Avondale Elementary School from list of noncompliant schools facing $25,000 monthly penalty
What will be debated at the Colorado Capitol when the legislature returns next week
Gov. Jared Polis and four state lawmakers joined The Colorado Sun for an event ahead of the 2022 legislative session
Colorado schools brace for staffing shortages as they return from holiday break amid record COVID surge
On Monday, at least three Denver schools — Northfield High School, Lake Middle School and Denver Montessori Junior/Senior High School — had announced temporary shifts to remote learning this week as staff members called in sick
“Is this another fire?”: Sisters haunted by the loss of their home in Marshall fire now face returning to school
Boulder Valley School District to reopen Wednesday despite petition signed by 5,200 calling for delay.
“I can’t do this to myself anymore”: Pandemic stress has driven some Colorado teachers to leave the classroom
As anxiety, depression and thoughts of quitting rise among teachers, districts are taking small steps to help them cope.
Boulder Valley School District, largely unscathed by the Marshall fire, will resume classes Wednesday
The school district’s reopening comes as thousands of area residents remain without gas service, despite door-to-door effort by Xcel Energy crews
As families grapple with food insecurity amid the pandemic, one Denver preschool has stood up its own fresh market
Clayton Early Learning branched out from food giveaways to create its own on-campus market, where struggling staff and families can pick up nutritious food, free of charge.
Hispanic men graduate from college in Colorado at low rates. But the numbers can improve.
The disparate rate at which Hispanic men earn degrees from Colorado universities hasn’t improved much over the last decade, even as the institutions enroll more Hispanic students
A tutoring program cultivates community bonds to help Latinx students in Boulder County
The program started in 2019, but expanded at the start of the pandemic, when parents worried their children were falling behind. Today, 70 students are enrolled and 50 more are waiting.
COVID closed Mesa County school kitchens. Students got them reopen.
Student chefs stepped up to fill a void left by COVID-19 outbreaks, other respiratory illnesses and staff shortages that had challenged the Grand Junction school district since classes began.
Colorado schools’ winter break offers window to prepare for omicron
Starting in late December, Colorado’s state health department will launch a $1 million COVID vaccine advertising campaign aimed at parents
Delayed COVID relief puts some Colorado child care owners in jeopardy
After nearly two years of pandemic-related problems, many child providers continue to face grave financial challenges
Student enrollment in Colorado won’t bounce back this year after pandemic losses, state analysts say
Metro Denver, the Southwest Mountain, San Luis Valley, Pueblo, and the Eastern Plains regions have seen the biggest percentage decline in student populations
