State Assessment Results for 2014-15

On December 11, the Colorado Department of Education released district and school specific PARCC test results for the 2014/2015 school year. PARCC was administered to students statewide in grades 3-11 last year, assessing Math and English language arts. “PARCC” stands for “Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career.”

PARCC is a new assessment and measures the state content standards. It is difficult to compare the results to previous assessments because PARCC measures different outcomes and the nature of the test items are notably different. The PARCC results will serve as a baseline to measure future student performance and growth. 

One way to review the assessment data is to examine BVSD student performance compared to the performance of all Colorado students. In the grade-by-grade analysis presented in these slides, BVSD elementary and middle level students outperformed the state by a wide margin overall, though not for students who receive meal assistance or English Language Development services. About 90% of BVSD elementary students took PARCC, compared to 95% statewide, and 80% of BVSD middle school students took PARCC, compared to 89% statewide. 

At the high school level, 34% of BVSD high school students took PARCC English Language Arts, compared to 61% statewide. Results from this level of participation should not be used to make inferences about district wide performance at high school.

The PARCC is developed to measure analytical thinking, rather than memorization, to better prepare students for college and careers. Education experts, including the state education department, have advised for months that test scores will be lower than previous assessments, given the more rigorous standards of the PARCC.

BVSD will continue using multiple measures to assess student performance and district educators will work to determine the value of PARCC. If we can find educational value in the PARCC, the participation rate will likely increase. It will take several years to fully appreciate what PARCC means to us and if the results will be helpful.

BVSD believes there is benefit to using quality classroom-based assessments to determine the needs of all students to inform educational strategies, investment of resources and appropriate interventions for students. However, present Colorado state assessment requirements for accountability are excessive and have limited utility for instructional improvement and supporting student success.

The Boulder Valley School District and Boulder Valley Education Association are committed to managing the impact of state-mandated assessments and utilizing appropriate assessments to foster student success and realize the school district vision, mission, and goals.

Student assessment will continue to be a major issue of discussion in the legislature and the state Board of Education this spring. This issue is not resolved for Colorado and with recent changes to federal law, it is not at all clear how our state will determine accreditation standards or accountability for school districts.

The discussion of multiple measures of student performance aligns with our strategic plan - The Success Effect. During the community consensus process in 2012-13, BVSD participants encouraged us to use multiple and diverse measures of student success. Strategic action plan priority teams are working on common measures that will align with BVSD vision, mission goals and new graduation expectations.

Data sourced from Colorado Department of Education.

Credit Jackie Fortier / KUNC

Data sourced from Colorado Department of Education.

Credit Jackie Fortier / KUNC

New Safe2Tell mobile app helps keep students safe

Student safety is a high priority in the Boulder Valley School District. I am writing to express my support of a new, free mobile app available from Safe2Tell and to encourage you to download it onto your smartphones.

Launched in 2004, the statewide Safe2Tell program was established as a phone tip line that students could call anytime day or night to report concerns about threats that potentially endangered them or someone they knew. A key element of the program’s success has been that the caller remains anonymous.

The new Safe2Tell app continues that commitment to anonymity while providing reporters with a more convenient and modern alternative to the phone line. The app allows students, parents and community members to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns with dialogue, image and video upload features sent to a live 24/7 answering point. The system provides Colorado school administrators and law enforcement officials with accurate information enabling quick, effective interventions to prevent violence and tragedies.

You can find this app in the Apple App Store or Google Play by searching for any of the following: Safe2Tell, Safe 2 Tell or Safe to Tell.

Tips can still be submitted on the Safe 2 Tell website at safe2tell.org or by calling the 24-hour tip line at 877-542-SAFE (7233).

Safe2Tell fields reports about a wide variety of threats, including:

• Bullying and physical threats

• Domestic violence and child abuse

• Assaults and harassment

• Sexual assault and misconduct

• Alcohol and drugs

• Suicide threats

• Gangs and fights

• Explosives, guns, knives and other weapons

• Stealing and vandalism

• Starting fires

• Internet misuse

• Ditching

• Animal cruelty

“Safe2Tell® is a state-funded strategic initiative of the Colorado Department of Law, Office of the Attorney General. The strategy focuses on Colorado children and youth and the issues they face today. The model was based on the Columbine Commission Report’s recommendation that students need a safe and anonymous way to keep lines of communication open. They realized that tragedies might be prevented if young people had a way to tell someone what they knew without fearing retaliation. The anonymity of all Safe2Tell reports is protected by C.R.S. 07-197. This means the reporting party remains UNKNOWN by Colorado state law.” (Source: http://safe2tell.org/who-we-are/)

Download the new app now!

Safe2Tell app for iPhone

Safe2Tell app for Android

Get the new BVSD Mobile App while you’re there!

BVSD app for iPhone

BVSD app for Android

School Funding Challenges and Opportunities in Colorado

The state Supreme Court delivered a disappointing decision on September 21 regarding the constitutional obligation of the State of Colorado to fund public education.  Dwyer v. State

This Sept. 22 Denver Post Editorial is correct in response to the Supreme Court decision regarding Amendment 23. The court determined the state is not legally obligated to recognize the negative factor, however, the legislature still has an obligation to honor the intent/spirit of Amendment 23 which included a cost of living increase plus enrollment each year. Since the legislature walked away from Amendment 23 in 2010, schools across Colorado have lost several billion dollars. Boulder Valley School District has lost over $175 million. The Colorado legislature has a constitutional obligation to fund public education in Colorado and they are significantly failing this responsibility.

Colorado superintendents gathered recently and made a commitment to seek a cost of living and enrollment increase for 2016-17 at a minimum. The governor's office has informally communicated that his proposed budget will not likely include adequate funds to provide for a cost of living increase and account for enrollment growth.

Educators and parents need to partner with all Colorado citizens and advocate for adequate funding for public education in Colorado. If the legislature maintains present budget priorities, this will not be possible. The legislature needs to adjust state budget priorities and fulfill their constitutional obligation to provide adequate funding for schools. We need to elect and support legislators who will make public education a priority.

The decision of the supreme court reminds us the solution for adequate funding for public education rests with the legislature and voters. Polling data consistently indicates that Colorado citizens value quality public education and they understand the future of Colorado is dependent on educating all youth. We need to embrace this opportunity and help educate legislators so they understand the value of quality schools and the challenges we face in our effort to meet the educational needs of all students. Boulder Valley School District will invite Boulder Valley legislators to visit schools this fall so they enter the 2016 session with a full understanding of what is needed in our schools.

We have many good stories to share with legislators and we plan to build on our strengths. If we are idle, the present inadequate funding level will be our "new normal" which will cripple public education for future generations. Colorado is a highly educated, wealthy, low-tax state. This is the time to develop a plan for the future and provide adequate funding for public schools.

Please engage your friends, neighbors and colleagues on this issue and encourage them to join us in this important work.

Chalkbeat Colorado - Sept. 24

Education leaders put on brave face in wake of Supreme Court ruling:

Some advocates vow to keep pushing for improved K-12 support

http://co.chalkbeat.org/2015/09/24/education-leaders-put-on-brave-face-in-wake-of-supreme-court-ruling/#.VgVjYNJVhBc

Denver Post (Guest Commentary) – Sept. 24

Let’s Go Back to School, Colorado

http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_28873594/lets-go-back-school

Denver Post (Editorial) - Sept. 22

Lawmakers still need to address Colorado education funding

http://www.denverpost.com/editorials/ci_28859755/lawmakers-still-need-address-colorado-education-funding

Welcome to the 2015-16 School Year

Welcome to the start of a new school year! This is an exciting time for students as they get acquainted with their teachers and classmates. Each new school year provides rich learning opportunities for all students to experience success.

As I begin my fifth year as superintendent, I am eager to implement the district’s new strategic plan, which we call The Success Effect. Many parents, students, staff and community members helped shape our future direction by their participation in developing the plan, which will lead to achieving our vision, mission, values and goals. My blog about Priority Action Plans features recent work by the action planning teams on The Success Effect. I encourage you to read about the future plan for Boulder Valley School District.

The Success Effect has three organizing principles -- Learning, Talent and Partnerships. Boulder Valley School District recruits and employs talented staff, and ongoing professional development ensures our staff has the best skills and knowledge to help our students be successful. The summer months and pre-service days have been packed with professional learning for staff on such topics as innovation, education technology, gender diversity and instructional practices.

We also want to provide the best possible learning environment for our students. Many staff, parents and community members are actively engaged in planning phase one of the bond construction and innovation work. In November 2014 Boulder Valley School District voters approved a $576 million bond issue, which will fund significant improvements in all schools.  

Parent and family partnerships are essential to achieve the hopes and dreams of all students, and I look forward to working with you for a great school year.

Sincerely,

Bruce K. Messinger, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Vision of the Boulder Valley School District

We develop our children’s greatest abilities and make possible the discovery and pursuit of their dreams which, when fulfilled, will benefit us all. We provide a comprehensive and innovative approach to education and graduate successful, curious, lifelong learners who confidently confront the great challenges of their time.

Priority Action Teams working on The Success Effect

Over 75 teachers, administrators, staff, parents and community members are developing implementation plans for the BVSD strategic plan - The Success Effect - organized into six teams, each of which has been tasked with one of the priorities for The Success Effect. The participants are developing key activities, implementation metrics and outcomes for each of the priority action areas. The action planning teams are clarifying the work that needs to be completed in order to achieve the short term outcomes, 2-3 years. Following are the six priority areas embedded in the three organizing principles of The Success Effect:

Learning

Systems of Support

Literacy & Early Learning

Successful, Curious, Lifelong Learners

Talent

Educator Pipeline

Educator Growth & Development

Partnerships

Parent & Family Partnerships

Education Northwest - Northwest Regional Education Laboratory out of Portland, Oregon, continues to provide consultation with the strategic planning process. Education Northwest works with state and local education agencies utilizing evidence based decisions that foster efficient, effective, and equitable educational systems. The Education Northwest team helped BVSD identify key actions most likely to achieve the district goals. Key actions for each team will guide the development of the implementation plans.  

Learning: Systems of Support - Key Actions

1. Data System: Create an Assessment Advisory Team
1. Review current data-collection systems
2. Design/develop a comprehensive data-collection system
2. Establish a district Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Leadership Team and provide professional development (PD) across the district as identified in the CDE District Systems Self-Assessment
3. Create a Safe and Healthy Schools Coordinating Team
1. Review all related data to establish attendance, behavior, and safety baselines
2. Design and implement a comprehensive building security plan.
4. Provide increased translation and interpretation to schools and BVSD departments.

Learning: Literacy & Early Learning - Key Actions

1. Identify and implement common assessments PK-12 to develop a common understanding of student mastery of standards and to differentiate instruction
2. Establish a committee to review English language arts (ELA) and English language development (ELD) materials:
1. Adopt resources to meet Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) Literacy Instructional Framework and Curriculum
2. Identify high-leverage strategies in literacy, scaffolds for language development, and purposeful technology integration
3. Align instruction, curriculum, and assessment—horizontally and vertically—for grades PK-3
4. Develop an evaluation cycle that enables continuous improvement in program strategies, professional development, interventions, and assessments

Learning: Successful, Curious Lifelong Learners - Key Actions

1. Develop BVSD Success Skills, new graduation requirements, and expectations for postsecondary and career readiness
2. Implement individual career and academic plans (ICAPs) for all students, beginning with grades 9-12, followed by PK-8
3. Integrate BVSD Success Skills and principles into school design, curriculum and instruction, and teacher professional development and evaluation, beginning with grades 9-12, followed by PK-8
4. Use the BVSD Success Skills Framework as a guide to increase student-led learning experiences and instruction in and across secondary classrooms

Talent: Educator Pipeline - Key Actions

1. Evaluate the effectiveness of BVSD current hiring, retention, and development practices for teachers and building administrators
2. Determine the key attributes and skill sets that contribute to candidate success. Refine current hiring and recruiting process to select for these attributes and skills. Develop assessment procedures that enable candidates to demonstrate the desired skills and attributes
3. Develop a comprehensive marketing plan to attract and recruit qualified candidates locally and nationally, based on findings that emerge out of work on priorities 1 and 2
4. Build systems to induct and retain outstanding BVSD professionals through recognition and professional development opportunities and other incentives. Create pathways for exemplary teachers to become building administrators, instructional coaches, or mentor teachers

Talent: Educator Growth & Development - Key Actions

1. Combine professional learning team and educator evaluation committee
2. Build a job-embedded, customized, educator-directed professional learning model based on research and best practices. Analyze how current structures must change to accommodate new model, including allocation of professional learning hours and days, technology and data system requirements, and training needed to implement new system
3. Budget to implement and sustain the new professional learning model. Ensure that the model is sustainable with anticipated funding

Partnerships: Parent & Family - Key Actions

1. Develop a district wide definition of meaningful family engagement
1. Align district efforts with new Colorado Department of Education (CDE) parent engagement regulations
2. Recruit and hire a bilingual, culturally competent, full-time Family Partnerships Coordinator
3. Identify strategies to increase parent and family engagement
1. Hold parent/guardian focus groups
2. Develop strategies based on feedback and research

Launch of The Success Effect priority action plans will occur in the fall semester 2015 through school improvement plans and district unified improvement plan.

Leslie Arnold has been appointed Assistant Superintendent for Strategic Initiatives. Ms. Arnold most recently served as Assistant Superintendent in the Clark County School District, Las Vegas, Nevada where she led the district’s assessment, accountability, research and school improvement departments. Ms. Arnold’s primary responsibility in BVSD is to lead the implementation of The Success Effect.

Learn more about The Success Effect.

Educational and Enrichment Summer Offerings in BVSD

During the 12 weeks between the last day of school in May and the first day of school in August, many students participate in extended learning and enrichment programs offered by BVSD and its community partners.

Extended Learning
Some of these programs are designed for students who need additional instructional support, such as the K-8 Literacy Focused Programs and the Site-Sponsored Programs. The K-8 literacy programs target students below grade level reading who qualify as either English Language Learners, living in poverty (as established by federal guidelines), or meeting Special Education requirements for Extended School Year services. The site-sponsored programs also focus on academic core areas, often literacy and/or math, and include other activities. More information is available on the Summer School website.

Summer extended learning programming is provided by BVSD to support students for various reasons:

• To build on learning and skills developed during the preceding academic year, particularly in language development and literacy;
• To prevent summer regression (or also known as “summer slide”) of skills and knowledge, providing students strong preparation for the upcoming school year;
• To meet appropriate expectations for students who qualify for Extended School Year (ESY) services; and
• To provide opportunities for high school students to catch up on graduation credit requirements.

The BVSD Family Literacy Department also provides adult learning and family literacy support. All BVSD-directed extended learning programs have evaluation components to track effectiveness.

Enrichment
Other opportunities provided by the district are primarily for enrichment. BVSD Kids and Teens Lifelong Learning program offers hundreds of highly popular summer camps at local BVSD schools and offsite locations. Enrollment in Lifelong Learning camps has increased 30 percent this summer. The types of camps offered through Lifelong Learning include cutting-edge technology, science, engineering, sports, art, theatre, cooking, horsemanship, legos, handwriting, chess, and more. Additionally, many teens are taking the opportunity to complete Lifelong Learning’s Driver's Ed, ACT Prep, and SAT Prep courses. Summer is a perfect time to finish these important courses quickly and conveniently. Visit the Lifelong Learning website for details. 

Partner Summer Programs
BVSD and several county agencies also provide various academic and enrichment activities for students, including the following:

• Summer Shuffle – A reading program coordinated with BVSD, IMPACT on Education (Foundation for BVSD), and Boulder Housing Partners
• Lifelong Learning/YMCA tuition-based literacy and enrichment classes/camps
• Ready Kindergarten—Boulder Community Foundation
• “Catch” Camp—program funded by 21st Century Grant/YMCA
• I Have A Dream summer programming at Columbine Elementary School and Casey Middle School
• “Tell your story”—tuition-based program at CU-Boulder
• Charter School Summer Programs (at Boulder Prep, Justice High and Horizons K-8)

In addition, many organizations hold their summer camps at BVSD schools:

YMCA Fun in the Sun Camp at
    Eisenhower
    Superior
    Kohl
    Bear Creek
    Foothill
    Louisville Elementary
    Manhattan

Rocky Mountain Day Camp at
    Centennial
    Eldorado K-8

Avid4 Adventure Camp at High Peaks/BCSIS

City and County of Broomfield Summer Camp at Aspen Creek K- 8

City of Lafayette Summer Camp at Pioneer Elementary

Game On! Summer Sports Camp at Douglass Elementary

Information about these and other resources is available in Community Connections, an online guide produced by BVSD that lists programs and services for youth and families in the Boulder Valley community.