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Accountability Resources
Overview
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- 2024 Accountability Resources
- Colorado's State Accountability System - Purpose, Implications
- Understanding School and District Performance Frameworks (SPF/DPF)
- Colorado Growth Model
- Achievement on State Assessments
- Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness
- Alternative Education Campus Accountability
- School Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Process
- District Accreditation
- Late on the Clock Site Visits - State Review Panel
- Upcoming Accountability Trainings and Webinars
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- Final Performance Framework Ratings & Results
- Access State Accountability Data Tools and Reports
- Access Policy and Statute
- Access Federal Identifications
- Respond to identification with Improvement Planning
- Engage with Families and Communities
- Learn about State Assessments
- Learn about District and School Supports
- General Performance Support for District Leaders
- Building a Data Culture Video Series
2024 Accountability Resources
A downloadable document with training opportunities and new resources is available here.
2024 Improvement Planning Data Analysis Considerations (PDF) - August 2024
This document coordinates content across the Department that connects data analysis and planning to the new streamlined Unified Improvement Plan (UIP), new accountability data, and a new TLCC resource as well as PSAT/SAT test format changes and the new Learning Environment District Profile Reports (coming September 2024).
Primary audience: District and school administrators
2024-25 District Accountability Handbook (PDF) - July 2024
This handbook outlines the requirements and responsibilities for the state, district, and school stakeholders in the state's accountability process.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
2024 Annotated District and School Dashboard (PDF) - July 2024
This resource is an annotated report with call out boxes that identify key information and changes to the District and School Dashboard for 2024.
Primary audience: General
2024 Annotated Framework Report (PDF) and 2024 AEC Annotated Framework Report (PDF) - July 2024
This resource is an annotated report with call out boxes that identify key information and changes to the performance framework report since the prior release.
Primary audience: General
Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Guidance (DOC) or (PDF) - June 2024
Guidance for Finalizing Accreditation Categories and Submitting Requests to Reconsider for District Accreditation Ratings and School Plan Types for 2024.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Summary Accountability and Improvement Planning Changes for 2024 (PDF) - Updated June 2024
This document describes the changes related to accountability and improvement planning for 2024.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Growth Fact Sheet (DOC) - June 2024
This resource includes a high level overview of the growth indicator within performance frameworks, including what it is, how it is calculated, how it is used, and why it matters. This resource also includes a reintroduction to the On Track Growth indicator, which will be included for informational purposes for elementary and middle schools in student-level data files and public state accountability tools and reports next school year.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
This guide is intended to provide a shared understanding of how data from the Data Pipeline collections and State Assessment Systems apply to Accountability, related technical considerations to ensure data accuracy and how different collections generally work and connect. The resource is organized by data collection, allowing the reader to go to one specific section to inform planning work and identify key elements to consider. It has been updated to include the READ Act Assessment collection as it connects to a sub-indicator in the Elementary Framework and a new section for the Safety & Finance Assurances as well as the Accreditation Process.
Primary audience: District administrators
Newly Arrived Multilingual Learners (PDF) - March 2024
This resource describes how newly arrived multilingual learners (i.e., Non-English Proficient and Limited English Proficient) are included in performance framework calculations.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
2024 Participation and Accountability Guide (PDF) - March 2024
This resource describes assessment participation requirements and the role of participation in both state and federal accountability.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
On Track Growth Fact Sheet (PDF) - March 2024
This document summarizes the on track growth measure and timeline for implementation.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Higher Bar Sub-Indicators Fact Sheet (PDF) - March 2024
This resource describes the implementation of the new Higher Bar measures within the performance frameworks. Due to data quality concerns, implementation of these measures has been paused and may be revisited in future years.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
SBD and Accountability Fact Sheet (PDF) - February 2024
This resource describes the Student Biographical Data (SBD) review process and its impact on accountability calculations and reporting.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
2023 Informational Results for Performance Frameworks (DOC) - January 2024
The state is re-introducing two measures on the performance frameworks to align with state statute. These measures include: CMAS Science for all schools and Attendance and Truancy for Alternative Education Campuses (AECs). Informational performance framework reports were released to districts in January. This fact sheet includes more information about these reports.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Colorado State Accountability System Video / Webinar Resources:
- Accountability Webinar Recording and Accountability Webinar PowerPoint - July 2024 - Overview and updates on accountability for 2024-25.
- Educational Accountability 101 Recording - August 2023- Overview of Educational Accountability including the district/school performance frameworks for 2023-24.
- Data Dashboards for Improvement Planning Webinar Recording - August 2023 - Overview of CDE data visualization tools and resources to support planning work for 2023-24.
Other Colorado State Accountability System Resources
Accountability Clock Fact Sheet (PDF) and Accountability Clock Fact Sheet (PDF): (Español)
This fact sheet explains the Accountability Clock process for schools and districts.
Información general del “Reloj de Responsabilidad”.
Primary audience: General; no especializado
2024-25 District Accountability Handbook (PDF) - July 2024
This handbook outlines the requirements and responsibilities for the state, district, and school stakeholders in the state's accountability process.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Accountability Webinar Recording and Accountability Webinar PowerPoint - July 2024
CDE staff hosted a webinar on July 10 to provide an overview and updates on accountability for the 2024-25 school year.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Priority Improvement and Turnaround Districts and Schools: A Supplement to the CDE District Accountability Handbook (PDF) - September 2023
This supplement provides further details on the requirements and responsibilities for the state, district, and school stakeholders for those identified as Priority Improvement and Turnaround.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Data Dashboards for Improvement Planning Webinar Recording - August 2023
Overview of CDE data visualization tools and resources to support planning work for 2023-24.
Primary audience: General
Educational Accountability 101 Recording and Educational Accountability 101 PowerPoint - August 2023
This Webinar provided an overview of Educational Accountability including the district/school performance frameworks for the 2023-24 academic year.
Primary audience: General
Parent Notification and Public Hearing Requirements Fact Sheet (PDF)- July 2024
This document walks through the requirements for notifying and engaging stakeholders.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Performance Watch Labels and Progression (DOC) - July 2023
This resource describes the performance watch process for the 2023-24 school year and the associated requirements for each plan type, clock year, and performance watch status.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Communication to District Accountability Contacts
Announcements regarding school and district accountability provided to district accountability contacts.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Understanding School and District Performance Frameworks Video/Webinar Resources:
- Insufficient State Data Rating Informational Webinar Recording and PowerPoint - September 2023 - Insufficient State Data rating definition, description, and general considerations for improvement planning.
- Accountability Use of Data from the Data Pipeline & Assessment Collections Webinar Recording, PowerPoint, and Resource (PDF) - May 2024 - Information on how data from the Data Pipeline collections and State Assessment Systems apply to Accountability
Other School and District Performance Frameworks Resources
Colorado's System for Identifying Schools for Support and Improvement (PDF)
The purpose of this resource is to summarize what measures and metrics are evaluated in identifying schools for support and improvement.
Primary audience: General
2024 Annotated District and School Dashboard (PDF) - July 2024
This resource is an annotated report with call out boxes that identify key information and changes to the District and School Dashboard for 2024.
Primary audience: General
2024 Annotated Framework Report (PDF) and 2024 AEC Annotated Framework Report (PDF) - July 2024
This resource is an annotated report with call out boxes that identify key information and changes to the performance framework report since the prior release.
Primary audience: General
Accountability Use of Data from the Data Pipeline & Assessment Collections Webinar Recording, PowerPoint, and Resource (PDF) - May 2024 - Information on how data from the Data Pipeline collections and State Assessment Systems apply to Accountability
Primary audience: District and school administrators
2024 Participation and Accountability Guide (DOC) - March 2024
This resource describes assessment participation requirements and the role of participation in both state and federal accountability.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Final Scoring Guide for 2024 District/School Performance Frameworks (PDF) - August 2024
This guide provides the cut-scores and associated point values for school and district performance on each of the sub-indicator metrics included on the frameworks (e.g., exceeds expectations, meets expectations, approaching expectations, does not meet expectations), as well as the cut-points for assigning performance indicator ratings and overall ratings based on the total percentage of points earned.
Primary audience: General
Insufficient State Data Ratings Fact Sheet (DOC) - September 2023
This resource outlines the assignment and implications of receiving an Insufficient State Data rating on the performance frameworks.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Insufficient State Data Rating Informational Webinar Recording and Insufficient State Data Rating Informational PowerPoint - September 2023
CDE staff held a webinar on Friday, September 8th. The webinar, for schools and district identified with an Insufficient State Data rating, covered the rating definition, description, and general considerations for improvement planning.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Accountability Data Tools & Reports (PDF) - July 2022
The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide a brief overview of the data visualization tools and resources that are available to support the work of education stakeholders.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
2024 District and School Performance Framework: Calculation Guidebook (PDF) - September 2024
The purpose of this document is to provide clarity and transparency in all calculation steps required for determining both District Performance Framework (DPF) and School Performance Framework (SPF) results.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Upcoming Changes to Performance Frameworks
Summary Accountability and Improvement Planning Changes for 2024 (PDF) - Updated June 2024
This document describes the changes related to accountability and improvement planning for 2024.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
On Track Growth Fact Sheet (PDF) - March 2024
This document summarizes the on track growth measure and timeline for implementation.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Higher Bar Sub-Indicators Fact Sheet (PDF) - March 2024
This resource describes the implementation of the new Higher Bar measures within the performance frameworks. Due to data quality concerns, implementation of these measures has been paused and may be revisited in future years.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
2023 Informational Results for Performance Frameworks (DOC) - January 2024
The state is re-introducing two measures on the performance frameworks to align with state statute. These measures include: CMAS Science for all schools and Attendance and Truancy for Alternative Education Campuses (AECs). Informational performance framework reports were released to districts in January. This fact sheet includes more information about these reports.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Scale Scores and Mean Scale Scores (PDF)
This fact sheet gives a high-level explanation of scale scores and mean scale scores.
Primary audience: General
Comprehensive Assessment Systems (PDF) - April 2019
The purpose of this document is to grow an understanding of the varied purposes and uses of assessment information.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
The purpose of this resource is to provide an overview of assessment participation requirements and the accountability inclusion rules for first year in U.S. English learners.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Colorado Growth Model Video/Webinar Resources:
- Growth 101 Webinar Recording and Growth 101 PowerPoint - August 2024- Conceptual overview of the Colorado Growth Model and changes in reports and measures associated with the 2024 release.
- On Track Growth Webinar Series - July 2024 - The On Track Growth (OTG) webinar series, provides stakeholders with the tools to use and understand the OTG measure to support improved student academic outcomes.
Other Colorado Growth Model Resources:
The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide a parent friendly overview of how Colorado Growth model results are calculated and what they mean.
Primary audience: General
Growth Fact Sheet (DOC) - June 2024
This resource includes a high level overview of the growth indicator within performance frameworks, including what it is, how it is calculated, how it is used, and why it matters. This resource also includes a reintroduction to the On Track Growth indicator, which will be included for informational purposes for elementary and middle schools in student-level data files and public state accountability tools and reports next school year.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Growth 101 Webinar Recording and Growth 101 PowerPoint - August 2023
CDE staff held a growth 101 webinar for the 2023 data release on August 7th. The webinar included a conceptual overview of the Colorado Growth Model and an overview of changes in reports and measures associated with the 2023 release.
Primary audience: General
Colorado Growth Model - Technical Orientation (PDF) - January 2019
This fact sheet provides a technical orientation to the Colorado Growth Model. This includes background information related to model development, an overview of its analytic methodology, and the current CDE applications of the model.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Growth Data: It Matters and It's Complicated, by the Data Quality Campaign (webpage) - 2019
This is an external report that summarizes how growth data is considered in accountability systems across the nation.
Primary audience: General
Growth Percentiles, Achievement & Demographics: Technical Brief #1 - 2019
The purpose of this research brief is to address to what extent are school-level median growth percentiles correlated with student achievement and school demographic characteristics.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Factors Impacting Growth Percentile Variability: Technical Brief #2 - 2019
The purpose of this research brief is to address the question, compared to achievement, how much of the variability in school median growth percentiles can be explained by school demographics.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Between-Year Stability of Growth Percentiles: Technical Brief #3 - 2019
The purpose of this research brief is to examine the stability of year-to-year median growth percentiles by assessment content areas and grade levels.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
The purpose of this report is to answer a series of questions related to the Colorado Growth Model.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Baseline Referenced Growth
Baseline Growth Overview Resource (PDF) - September 2021
The purpose of this resource is to provide an overview of new baseline-referenced growth compared to traditional cohort-referenced growth. Also, statewide participation rates and results are shared.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Baseline Growth Applications (PDF) - September 2021
This brief resource explains student growth, how it is reported, and focuses on the interpretation of baseline growth results.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Individual Student Growth Reports
Individual Student Growth Report Cover Page - English and Spanish (PDF) - July 2024
These resources serve as a cover page to the CMAS individual student growth report.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
How to Understand Individual Student Growth & Achievement Reports (PDF) - June 2024
The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide an annotated version of the annually produced individual student growth reports to improve use and understanding by stakeholders.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Individual Student Growth Report - ACCESS (PDF) - June 2024
This is a sample of the English Language Proficiency and Student Growth Report in both English and Spanish.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
On Track Growth
On Track Growth Fact Sheet (PDF) - March 2024
This document summarizes the on track growth measure and timeline for implementation.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
ACCESS Growth
ACCESS On Track Growth Fact Sheet (PDF) - May 2024
This document summarizes the ACCESS on track growth measure and adopted growth-to-standard timelines.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Fact Sheet (PDF) - June 2024
This resource describes the current postsecondary and workforce readiness indicator, including descriptions of sub-indicators (e.g., dropout, graduation, matriculation, SAT) and delayed sub-indicators (e.g., higher bar).
Primary audience: General
Matriculation Sub-Indicator Fact Sheet (DOC) - June 2024
The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide an overview of the matriculation sub-indicator including its basis in statute, source data, calculation method, recent/upcoming changes, and related frequently asked questions.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Higher Bar Sub-Indicators Fact Sheet (PDF) - March 2024
This resource describes the implementation of the new Higher Bar measures within the performance frameworks. Due to data quality concerns, implementation of these measures has been paused and may be revisited in future years.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Optional Industry Credentials & CDIP Data Submission
Optional Industry Credentials & CDIP Data Submission Guidelines - April 2022
This document explains the associated background, calendar, and guidelines associated with the combined CDIP/industry credential data submission.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Optional Industry Credentials & CDIP Data Submission Template - April 2022
This excel spreadsheet reflects the data submission template used for the industry credential submission.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Optional Industry Credentials & CDIP Data Submission Webinar Slide Deck - April 2022
This slide deck explains all aspects of the data submission process including related timelines and requirements.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Alternative Education Campus Accountability Video/Webinar Resources:
- AEC Accountability Overview Webinar Recording and AEC Accountability Overview PowerPoint - September 2022 -Overview of AEC School Performance Framework, changes for 2022 school, connecting optional measures to school mission and goals, and school improvement implications.
Other Alternative Education Campus Accountability Resources:
2024 AEC Annotated Framework Report (PDF) - July 2024
This resource is an annotated report with call out boxes that identify key information and changes to the performance framework report since the prior release.
Primary audience: General
Alternative Education Campuses: Overview on AECs in Colorado (PDF) - February 2024
A fact sheet providing basic information on alternative education campuses in Colorado, including background and history, students served, accountability indicators, and developing improvement strategies.
Primary audience: General
Calculation Guidance for Alternative Education Campuses (PDF) - Update in Development
This resource guides schools and districts through the AEC required and optional measures, including definitions and calculation formulas.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
NWEA RIT Growth Rank Percentile Tables (Excel) - February 2023
NWEA MAP growth percentile conversion tables based on AEC norms for use in the Selection of Measures process.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
AEC Accountability Overview Webinar Recording and AEC Accountability Overview PowerPoint - September 2022
This webinar provided an overview of AEC School Performance framework, changes to the framework for the 2022 school year, connecting optional measures to school mission and goals, and school improvement implications for AECs.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Accountability for Alternative Education Campuses (PDF): Policy Guidance - August 2020
This document guides schools and districts through the AEC application and accountability process.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
1 CCR 301-57, The Administration of Accountability for Alternative Campuses (PDF) - December 2016
This document provides the Colorado State Board of Education rules for the accountability of Alternative Education Campuses.
Primary Audience: District and school administrators
HB15-1350: Alternative Education Campus (AEC) Accountability Workgroup Report (PDF) - December 2015
This document provides the findings and report from the Alternative Education Campus Working Group.
Primary Audience: District and school administrators
This research paper provides the research-based rationale for the calculation of growth results on the NWEA MAPS assessments using AEC norms.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
School Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Process
Visit the School Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Webpage
School Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Video/Webinar Resources:
- Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Webinar Recording and Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Webinar PowerPoint - August 2023 - This Webinar provides an informational walkthrough of the accreditation and request to reconsider process in 2023.
Other School Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Resources:
Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Guidance (DOC) or (PDF) - June 2024
Guidance for Finalizing Accreditation Categories and Submitting Requests to Reconsider for District Accreditation Ratings and School Plan Types for 2024.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
2023 Request to Reconsider Decisions - December 2023
On December 13, 2023, the state board finalized the performance frameworks for all schools and districts that participated in request to reconsider. The board approved improved district accreditation ratings for 10 districts and improved plan types for 73 schools.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Webinar Recording and Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Webinar PowerPoint - August 2023
This Webinar provides an informational walkthrough of the accreditation and request to reconsider process in 2023.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
Finding Achievement and Growth Data for the Local Assessment Tool - August 2023
This document's purpose is to support schools and districts using the Local Assessment Tool to find achievement and growth data through various vendor platforms.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
2023 Local Assessment Tool - August 2023
A submission form for districts and schools to submit local K-2 data as part of the Body of Evidence pathway for the 2023 Request to Reconsider process.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
2023 Matriculation Body of Evidence Request Template - August 2023
A submission form for districts and schools to submit matriculation data as part of the Body of Evidence pathway for the 2023 Request to Reconsider process.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
2022 Request to Reconsider Decisions - December 2022
106 sites (districts and schools) participated in the 2022 request to reconsider process. On December 14, 2022, the State Board of Education approved improved district accreditation ratings for 5 districts and improved plan types for 92 schools using the 2022 request to reconsider process.
Primary audience: General
Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Guidance (DOC) or (PDF) - June 2024
Guidance for Finalizing Accreditation Categories and Submitting Requests to Reconsider for District Accreditation Ratings and School Plan Types for 2024.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
State Review Panel Fact Sheet and Current Panelists - September 2024
This fact sheet describes the purpose and responsibilities of the State Review Panel, including a list of recommendation options and the most recent list of panelists.
Primary audience: General
CDE State Review Panel School Visit Protocol - September 2024
This resource details what schools should expect from the State Review Panel site visit process, including types of visits, key questions, criteria, indicators, guidance, and recommendation options.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
CDE State Review Panel District Visit Protocol - September 2024
This resource details what districts should expect from the State Review Panel site visit process, including types of visits, key questions, criteria, indicators, guidance, and recommendation options.
Primary audience: District and school administrators
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