Scientific thinking and understanding are essential for all people navigating the world, not just for scientists and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals. Knowledge of science and the practice of scientific thinking are essential components of a fully functioning democracy. Science is also crucial for the…

This article examines schooling in the western American state of Colorado during the early twentieth century. Conditions of youth and education are examined at the Walsen coal-mining camp near the town of Walsenburg in the southern region of the state. The experiences of children in the camp are compared to with those living in the town, with a…

Despite the myriad of challenges that families, students, teachers and policymakers faced in 2021, the momentum to transform education did not waver. New opportunities for students unfolded in more than a dozen states through expanded private and public school choice. An additional 1.7 million students gained eligibility for private choice alone,…

The federal "Every Student Succeeds Act" (ESSA) has stimulated states to revisit school improvement. Previously, the Center analyzed ESSA and the related consolidated state plans using the lens of how the federal legislation and state plans address barriers to learning and teaching and re-engage disconnected students. Such analyses…

To innovate for the future and improve equity, while also protecting foundational and proven principles that support high-quality education, ExcelinEd is committing to 5 goals over 5 years to impact 5 million students. Those goals hold the key to impactful and far-reaching changes in education, with the power to transform schools, students' lives,…

Barriers to summer enrichment and learning experiences reinforce gaps in resources and opportunities in public education that face students from lower-income households. In a growing number of cities, new support structures are emerging to help parents overcome barriers to summer enrichment and learning for their children. These supports provide…

Focused on educational quality, innovation and opportunity--both within and outside of the traditional system--ExcelinEd advances a broad range of student-centered policy solutions that are successfully: (1) increasing student learning; (2) Readying graduates for college and career; and (3) Advancing equity. This year's annual report highlights…

This year's KIDS COUNT report delves into disparities in child well-being based on race and ethnicity in an effort to shine a light on issues where Colorado can and must do better at creating equitable opportunities for children. The disparities seen in many areas of child well-being did not just happen by coincidence; nor are they the result of…

Almost 7 million young Americans (age 16-24) are insufficiently attached to school or work. Based on conservative estimates, we can generate over $1 billion just by helping a mere 0.1 percent earn a high school credential and complete their first year of college through Back on Track Designs. This brief lays out the cost of setting up these GED-…

Many metrics along K-12 education may serve as indicators of potential success, but they are not goals. Students must leave the public school system at least proficient enough to face the tasks ahead. At the moment when students depart the K-12 system to enter college or career, it matters neither how proficient they were years before, nor the…

This statewide plan for higher education is based on the concepts of a rolling five-year plan, wherein planning occurs constantly five years into the future, concurrent with more immediate ongoing programs and budgeting. It is a formal, statewide planning process. The broad aim of postsecondary education in Colorado is stated: to promote and…

In support of a legislative evaluation of the degree to which Colorado's institutions of higher education should be accessible to the state's citizens, this paper reviews the barriers to student access and outlines the position of the Colorado State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education regarding the role of the community…

Describes the unique distance education consortium developed by the Colorado Community College and Occupational Education system. The consortium provides centralized management of faculty and curriculum, and decentralized management of student services. "CCCOnline" was developed in response to student desires for convenient learning…

This document is one of three publications designed to establish guidelines for the elimination of sex bias and sex stereotyping and the establishment of sex fairness in vocational education programs in Colorado. Intended as a general reference, it provides background information about the problem and supplies a rationale for the institution of…

This document is one of three publications designed to establish guidelines for the elimination of sex bias and sex stereotyping and the establishment of sex fairness in vocational education programs in Colorado. A Counselor/Teacher Handbook, it provides information about the problem for teachers, and both theoretical and practical aids for…