Colorado applied for, and was granted, the waiver it sought from NCLB eliminating the dual accountability system under which districts report. Starting next year, Colorado will no longer receive ratings for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), instead it will continue to utilize School and District Performance Frameworks focusing on student growth. These frameworks have been in place for the last two years. The Unified Improvement Plan (UIP) will continue to help district analyze their data and outline efforts for continued improvement.
The state department of education plans to exercise its waiver flexibility quickly and work on implementation planning will begin immediately. Since Colorado’s waiver application was based largely on its existing system, the current state accountability requirements as outlined in Colorado’s Educational Accountability Act will remain in effect with some small changes.
Any changes in accountability determinations and sanctions will be in effect for the 2012-13 school year, based on the results of the 2011-12 assessments and the most recent postsecondary and workforce readiness measures. In August 2012, the federal AYP results will no longer be calculated and consequences won't be based on those results. Rather, school accountability will be based on the results of Colorado’s own accountability system.
If you would like additional information regarding this topic, please read the documents below or contact Christy Bloomquist at 970-247-5411, ext. 1420 or at cbloomquist@durango.k12.co.us.
