Communications Tools

Communications Toolkit 2016-17 

The following items are designed to help districts and schools communicate with parents about the Colorado Measure of Academic Success (CMAS) tests, Colorado's accountability system (including school and district ratings), and educator effectiveness metrics. The materials can be shared during parent information events throughout the school year. 

Accountability

• School and District Performance Frameworks Toolkit
  A fact sheet with high-level explanation about Colorado's accountability system and SPF/DPF, school plan types and district ratings can be sent along with a drop-in letter to parents or educators.

• Accountability Clock Fact Sheet (PDF)
  This fact sheet explains in easy-to-understand language what a district/school faces after five consecutive years with low performance on the state's Accountability Clock, including the process of the accountability hearings with the State Board of Education.

Assessments

• Assessment Toolkit
  Fact sheets, drop-in letters and key messages are designed to help districts and schools communicate about Colorado Measures of Academic Success tests. These materials can be shared with parents during parent information events, newsletters or parent teacher conferences. All materials may be tailored to meet local needs.

Educator Effectiveness

• Educator Effectiveness Metrics
  Drop-in articles, fact sheets and instructions for access are available for district leadership and principals when training staff or community about educator effectiveness. All resources are able to be modified and personalized to meet individual needs.
• Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Resources

Colorado Academic Standards

• Parent Guides for Kindergarten - High School
  Hand these out to parents to help them understand what their children will be learning this year, or send a link to them in your electronic communications.

• Academic Standards in Action (PDF)

Graduation Guidelines and ICAP

• View more information about graduation guidelines and ICAP

Promising Partnership Practices

• CDE, in collaboration with the State Advisory Council for Parent Involvement in Education (SACPIE), collected practices from schools and districts about working with families for student learning. Districts can use these practices as guidance when creating their own family engagement plan.