In addition to students returning to school, it’s been an action-packed month in the education scene in the Centennial State. 

Colorado Governor Jared Polis, the state Department of Education and education advocacy organizations are working together to leverage CARES Act funding and federal grants to innovate, bridge the digital divide and problem solve. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Polis and a more than $50 million education investment, Colorado students will have access to the learning tools and resources they need to succeed following the impact of COVID-19. 

On September 9, Governor Polis launched the $32.7 million Response, Innovation, and Student Equity Education Fund to quickly provide additional academic, social and emotional supports to students most affected by the pandemic; including low-income students, students of color, English learners, students with special needs, students experiencing food or housing insecurity and students in foster care. School districts, public charter schools, tribes and early childhood councils can apply, and extra points are given to ideas that serve rural students, communities most impacted by COVID-19 and that use evidence-based strategies to advance equity. 

“We must do more to expand opportunities for every student to receive an education that prepares them for a bright future. Which is why I’m thrilled to announce this transformative funding program that supports real innovation to close equity gaps in our communities, help our students rise, and share what works with others.” – Governor Jared Polis 

Public-private partnerships play a critical role in bridging the digital divide. Colorado is partnering with T-Mobile’s Project 10Million to provide free mobile hotspots and up to 100 gigabytes of annual data for 34,000 low-income households. The Colorado Department of Education allocated $2 million in CARES Act funding to help school districts to purchase hotspots and other creative solutions to rural connectivity problems. 

“Most folks think about the digital divide along urban and rural lines. But by the numbers, more families lack internet here on the front range than in all of rural Colorado combined. That divide falls along income lines. Even before COVID hit, we already had an unacceptably large achievement gap. Thanks to great work by Governor Polis and many others, we are on our way to ensuring that a lack of internet access doesn’t make that gap even worse.” – Senator Jeff Bridges 

In support of Colorado’s youngest learners, the U.S. Department of Education awarded the state a $16 million grant to implement the Colorado Comprehensive Literacy Project, which Commissioner Katy Anthes said will “enable the state to build upon the progress from the READ Act, which focuses resources on students in kindergarten through third grade. This grant will allow us to support learning prior to kindergarten and after third grade.  And it will allow us to focus on historically underserved populations.” 

“I hope that this money will be used to support teachers and parents to learn about and have a better understanding of the science of teaching reading. The READ Act specifically targets K-3 students.  However, reading instruction should begin prior to Kindergarten and continue through high school. With encouragement, learning and support, parents and teachers will be prepared to make sure students succeed.” – Joyce Rankin, Colorado Board of Education 

Governor Polis, the Colorado Department of Education and the Colorado Education Initiative also announced that they will continue partnering with Rocky Mountain PBS to “provide K-3 students, their families and caregivers with direct-to-home remote lessons in literacy, science, art and math through Colorado Classroom: Learn with Me at Home.” Programming began on September 7 and will air for 15 weeks. Accompanying lesson plans for families, caregivers and their children are also available on the website. 

For additional resources for state leaders on COVID-19, including highlighted solutions from states across the country, visit ExcelinEd’s COVID-19 resource library. 

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• College Credit Incentive Funding: The education budget includes $1 million in incentive funding for schools and teachers whose students successfully complete Advanced Placement (AP) and other college-level courses. These are proven pathways that prepare students for college-level work while they earn valuable college credit or work toward a postsecondary credential. Lawmakers increased this funding despite uncertain times, knowing that it is an investment that will benefit the state for years to come.
• Early Literacy: The budget also raises the per-pupil funding rate for Early Learning Collaboratives from $2,150 to $2,500 so teachers will have more resources to better prepare Mississippi’s youngest learners for success in school. This program is considered a national model with high quality benchmarks and proven learning gains for preschool students.
• Private School Choice: Senate Bill 2594 extends the Education Scholarship Accounts Program for the 500 participating students with special needs for another four years and increases academic accountability of the program.

“At a time when many states have seen stagnant student learning gains, the Magnolia State continues to make national headlines for its extraordinary academic improvements in K-12 education. During this legislative session, when many difficult budget decisions had to be made, Mississippi lawmakers continue to prioritize policies that improve learning opportunities for all students from pre-K through graduation.

“Mississippi is also one of only a handful of states that allows parents of students with special needs to customize an education to meet their needs through an Education Scholarship Account. While there is still more work to be done to improve the program, it was critical to ensure that the 500 participating students can stay in a learning environment that is working for them.

“ExcelinEd in Action thanks the many leaders and partners who have worked diligently on behalf of Mississippi’s students, including Governor Tate Reeves, Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann, State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright, Speaker Philip Gunn, Senate Education Chair Dennis DeBar, House Education Chair Richard Bennett, Senator Brice Wiggins, College Board and Mississippi First.”

Tom Greene, ExcelinEd in Action National Legislative Director

For more information on the power of transformational education policies, visit ExcelinEd’s policy library.

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• Early Literacy: The budget provides an additional $26.9 million to improve early literacy and to support the implementation of the Alabama Literacy Act next year. This includes money for additional reading specialists and summer and after-school programs, as well as $9.8 million this year to support teacher training in the science of reading.
• Computer Science: To ensure every Alabama K-12 school can offer a high-quality computer science course next school year, the budget doubles funding for teacher training from $1 million to $2 million.
• Advanced Placement: The budget protects funding for Advanced Placement courses at a total of $7.4 million to cover the exam fees for low-income students.

“During this time of budgetary uncertainty, we applaud Alabama lawmakers for prioritizing the needs of all students from pre-K through graduation. Prioritizing key investments, such as early literacy programs and courses that prepare students entering the workforce with the skills needed in today’s job market, will set Alabama’s students on a path to success in the classroom and beyond. ExcelinEd in Action appreciates the support of Alabama leaders and A+ Education Partnership who are working diligently to serve Alabama students in this challenging environment.”

Tom Greene, ExcelinEd in Action National Legislative Director

COVID-19: You can find resources for state leaders on COVID-19 by clicking here, including highlighted solutions from states across the country.

For more information on the power of transformational education policies, visit ExcelinEd’s policy library.

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HB 20-1288, sponsored by Senator Bob Rankin and Representative Janice Rich, requires schools to post on its website the reading curriculum, instructional programs and interventions for struggling readers to keep parents and community members informed on how schools are working to improve early literacy. Schools will also be required to post the number of students with reading plans, the number of students who have demonstrated competency and how the school is using intervention funding.

“Colorado’s vision for the future of its education system includes an emphasis on literacy. All children can become strong readers if they are taught the right way. Evidence-based instruction aligned with the science of reading has not been applied routinely in Colorado classrooms, and these specific methods can make a big difference. We must hold schools accountable for demonstrating that the reading instruction is aligned with scientifically-based reading research.”

Senator Bob Rankin

“The research is clear: Students who leave third grade unable to read at grade level face dramatically longer odds of graduating high school and embarking on a successful, fulfilling career.

“Information is power. Parents and community members deserve access to transparent information on how reading intervention funding is being spent at the school. This bill will shed light on whether schools are using curriculum based on the science of reading and if schools are seeing improved outcomes for students as a result of accepting intervention funds.

“ExcelinEd in Action would like to thank Senator Bob Rankin, Representative Janice Rich and the Senate Education Committee for championing and supporting this important issue.”

Brad Galbraith, Regional Legislative Director, ExcelinEd in Action

For more information on early literacy and the science of reading, visit ExcelinEd’s policy library.

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“Alabama legislators put the needs of students first when they cast their vote for this important legislation. Reading is the gateway to learning. By fourth grade, students need to be ready to transition from learning to read, to reading to learn. We thank Senator Arthur Orr, Representative Terri Collins and A+ Education Partnership for championing this life-changing program.”

Nathan Hoffman, Regional Legislative Director, ExcelinEd in Action

Highlights of HB 388:

• Teacher training and preparation programs based on the science of reading instruction
• Early identification of students with reading difficulties

• Comprehensive reading interventions and support for struggling readers in early grades
• Additional time and specialized instruction to help struggling readers catch up and succeed in fourth grade and beyond

The bill now heads to Governor Kay Ivey for her signature.

For more on the critical importance of early literacy, visit the ExcelinEd policy library.

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The House passed a comprehensive early literacy bill, sponsored by Rep. Terri Collins, that would establish the necessary teacher and student supports to ensure students read proficiently by the end of third grade.

“All students deserve the chance to succeed in life. Achieving grade level reading is the foundation that will determine that success. I would like to thank Rep. Terri Collins and A+ Education Partnership for championing this legislation and prioritizing Alabama’s students and their pathway to learn, graduate and succeed.”

Nathan Hoffman, Regional Legislative Director, ExcelinEd in Action

Highlights of HB 388:

• Teacher training and preparation programs based on the science of reading
• Early identification of students having reading difficulties

• Comprehensive reading interventions for K-3 students identified with a reading difficulty and needing more help to become successful readers

• Additional time and specialized instructional supports struggling readers need to catch up and succeed in fourth grade and beyond

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

For more on the critical importance of early literacy, visit the ExcelinEd policy library.

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The new law raises expectations, increases transparency and provides teacher support around the READ Act.

“The research is crystal clear: Students who leave third grade unable to read at grade level face dramatically longer odds of graduating high school and embarking on a successful, well-paying career.

“Thanks to bipartisan leadership from Colorado Senators Nancy Todd and Bob Rankin, Representatives Julie McCluskie and James Wilson, this legislation puts the focus on the classroom, teachers and helps students have the critical reading skills they need to be successful in school and in life.”

Tom Greene, Senior Legislative Director for ExcelinEd in Action

Senate Bill 199 does the following:

• School districts must create a systematic performance plan that outlines how the district is coordinating and aligning services, interventions and professional development based on the science of reading to help struggling readers;
• Creates an approved list of evidence-based reading programs, technologies to help with assessment, and professional development for teachers;
• Ensures schools provide struggling readers a minimum amount of uninterrupted instruction time that is research-based;
• Ensures school districts publicly report formative and summative academic achievement data for their struggling readers;
• Requires a third-party evaluator to determine which districts are making progress and districts that need more support;
• Creates a new required reading certification for teachers and support staff based on the science of reading. This new certification should align teacher preparation, professional development and support centered on the five pillars of reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension; and
• Creates a public awareness campaign to encourage community engagement and partnerships with local libraries.

For more on the importance of early literacy, visit the ExcelinEd policy library.

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• Computer Science: Legislation by Senate Education Chairman P.K. Martin (SB 108) will make high-quality computer science coursework available to middle and high school students statewide over the next few years, while building a pipeline of qualified teachers to support this expansion. The bill also provides $1 million in funding in the final 2019-2020 state budget.
• Charter Schools:
  • The budget (HB 31) also includes a record $2 million in facilities grant funding for both state and locally authorized charter schools. Coupled with $1.5 million in existing funds and one-time safety grants of $30,000 per school, every Georgia charter school should for the first time receive roughly $70,000 next year to assist with critical facility needs.
  • In other charter news, Representative Dave Belton sponsored legislation (HB 59) to resolve a state ruling that otherwise would have made it difficult for certain charters to attract and retain quality board members. The bill, which passed both the House and Senate unanimously, also makes it easier for military students to enroll in charter schools.
• Tax Credit Scholarships: HB 68, a good governance measure sponsored by Representative John Carson, ensures that organizations granting scholarships to students to attend private schools cannot also accredit schools.
• Early Literacy: SB 48, also by Chairman Martin, creates a statewide screening program to detect dyslexia in kindergarten students and may help identify and support other struggling readers.

“ExcelinEd in Action thanks our many partners in this work, including GeorgiaCAN, Georgia Center for Opportunity, Georgia Chamber, Georgia Charter Schools Association, Georgia Public Policy Foundation, Metro Atlanta Chamber, TAG-Ed, American Federation for Children, Americans for Prosperity, Code.org, College Board and Project Lead The Way.”
Ryan Mahoney, Senior Legislative Director, ExcelinEd in Action

For more information on the power of transformational educational policies, visit ExcelinEd’s policy library.

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H 3759 by House Speaker Jay Lucas and S 419 by Senate Education Chair Greg Hembree include:
Legislators in South Carolina will soon have the chance to enact a bold set of education reforms that will benefit Palmetto State students immediately and into the future under a pair of key bills introduced this week.

H 3759 by House Speaker Jay Lucas and S 419 by Senate Education Chair Greg Hembree include:

• Improved policy and transparency to effectively implement Read to Succeed, helping to ensure students can read on grade level by the end of third grade.
• Investments to give more South Carolina students access to computer science classes and other critical coursework that can better prepare them for college and careers.
• More supports for teachers, greater accountability for school boards and districts, and greater flexibility for the state to intercede if schools fail to meet student needs.

Separately, 53 House members from both parties signed on to support an Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program – H 3681 by Rep. Shannon Erickson – that would allow students with special needs or from low-income, military or foster households to use their share of state funding for a customized education that may include tutoring, school tuition, therapy or instructional materials.

• Improved policy and transparency to effectively implement Read to Succeed, helping to ensure students can read on grade level by the end of third grade.
• Investments to give more South Carolina students access to computer science classes and other critical coursework that can better prepare them for college and careers.
• More supports for teachers, greater accountability for school boards and districts, and greater flexibility for the state to intercede if schools fail to meet student needs.

Separately, 53 House members from both parties signed on to support an Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program – H 3681 by Rep. Shannon Erickson – that would allow students with special needs or from low-income, military or foster households to use their share of state funding for a customized education that may include tutoring, school tuition, therapy or instructional materials.

“South Carolina policymakers are clearly dedicated to doing what is needed to make sure the state’s education system is centered on students rather than archaic processes.

“ExcelinEd in Action appreciates the leadership of House Speaker Jay Lewis, House Education Chair Rita Allison, Senate Education Chair Greg Hembree, Rep. Shannon Erickson and the dozens of members who co-sponsored these forward-thinking bills, and we salute our many partners in this work, including EdChoice, My SC Education, the Palmetto Promise Institute and the South Carolina Catholic Conference.”

Ryan Mahoney, Southeast Legislative Director

For more information on these proven education strategies, please visit the ExcelinEd website.

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Last night, Arizona lawmakers gave final approval to several improvements to the Move On When Reading law, the state’s comprehensive K-3 reading law that ensures students receive intensive interventions when needed and demonstrate sufficient reading skills by the end of third grade.

Highlights of HB 2520, sponsored by Rep. Doug Coleman:

• Requires schools to use evidence-based strategies to support struggling readers in grades K-3
• Strengthens teacher training requirements for reading instruction
• Ensures early literacy funds are used in a targeted way to expand, enhance and support the components of a school’s reading plan

“A strong reading program, beginning in kindergarten and continuing into third grade and beyond, gives students the best possible chance to maximize their education. ExcelinEd in Action thanks Gov. Doug Ducey, Rep. Coleman and Stand for Children for prioritizing Arizona’s students and their pathway to successfully learn, graduate and earn.”

Alexandra Dominguez, ExcelinEd in Action Regional Legislative Director

The bill now goes to Gov. Doug Ducey for his signature.

For more information on the importance of early literacy, please visit the ExcelinEd policy library.

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