This project will build the capacity of Colorado Department of Education and Colorado Department of Higher Education staff, and, later, school and district staff, to identify and better understand factors that influence teachers of colors’ decisions to enter, stay, leave, or move from a teaching position. Partners will use the information gathered through the project to inform development of, or revisions to, the guidance and support they provide to districts to implement teacher recruitment and retention strategies that address identified challenges and factors affecting teachers of colors’ decisions to enter, stay, leave, or move from a teaching position.

This study will help us better understand the characteristics of students who are more (or less) successful in grade 9 math and the experiences that inform that success (or lack thereof). In the short term, this project will increase DPS partners’ understanding of which student characteristics (such as race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status) and experiences (such as previous course taking or supports received through enrollment in specific programs and interventions, like tutoring) may have contributed to success in grade 9 math. This will contribute to future co-interpretation and action planning that will help DPS identify ways in which more students might be supported earlier to alter grade 9 math outcomes.

This technical support project will build the capacity of Colorado Department of Education (CDE) leaders and researchers to explore how Colorado’s reduced academic calendar option affects student achievement. REL Central will work closely with CDE to understand the relationship between the reduced academic calendar year and students’ growth and/or achievement on the Colorado Measures of Academic Success assessments, and whether that relationship mirrors or deviates from the national pattern. REL Central will support CDE by guiding staff in developing and implementing strategies for effectively using their data. This includes assisting with data analysis, supporting the dissemination of findings, and providing ongoing consultation for a long-term research and development plan.