h_ed_2016a_2017-01-10t09:03:22z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 01/10/2017

09:20 AM -- Presentation by Colorado Department of Education



Katy Anthes, Commissioner of Education, Colorado Department of Education (CDE), came to the table to begin the presentation. She introduced her colleagues at the table, Alyssa Pearson, Joyce Zurkowski, and Melissa Colsman. A copy of the presentation can be found as Attachment C. Dr. Anthes spoke about CDE's main responsibilities, which include implementing state and federal education laws, disbursing state and federal funds, licensing educators, holding schools and districts accountable for performance, providing public transparency of performance and financial data, and providing leadership and resources. She briefly talked about CDE's strategic goals.



17JointEducation0110AttachC.pdf



09:28 AM



Ms. Colsman, Associate Commissioner of Student Learning, CDE, talked about the history of the Colorado Academic Standards (CAS), the department's standards review and revision process, and a recent survey administered by the department about the CAS. Ms. Colsman answered questions from the committee.





09:44 AM



Ms. Zurkowski, Executive Director of Assessments, CDE, spoke about state assessments, including the 2016 participation rates, 9th grade procurement considerations, future assessment requirements, and possible changes to federal requirements under the incoming administration.





09:59 AM



Ms. Pearson, Associate Commissioner of Accountability, Performance, and Support, CDE, discussed accountability, school and district performance frameworks and ratings, accreditation ratings, support provided by the department for priority improvement and turnaround schools, and the accountability clock.





10:08 AM



Dr. Anthes spoke about the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) as it relates to the timeline and structure for the development of the required state plan. She told the committee about the department's legislative priorities which are currently being worked on by the State Board of Education, and the department's regulatory agenda. She answered questions from the committee.





10:13 AM



Leanne Emm, Associate Commissioner of School Finance and Operations, CDE, came to the table to talk about the department's fiscal year 2017-18 budget request. She answered questions from the committee.