1 CCR 301-36
2236-R-1.00 Interdistrict Choice Pilot Program.
Colorado revised statutes establish an interdistrict schools of choice pilot program. The department of education may select no more than three school districts for participation in the pilot program for a given academic year. These criteria serve to assist the department of education in the selection of any school district submitting a proposal for the pilot program.
2236-R-2.00 Definitions:
2.01 Choice.
The opportunity for students to select and attend any school or participate in any program, within the limitations of the pilot program pursuant to these rules.
2.02 Sending School/District.
The applicant's originating school or district will be known as the sending school or district.
2.03 Receiving School/District.
The applicant's selected school or district will be known as the receiving school or district. 2236-R-3.00 Criteria For Selection:
3.01 Geographic Stipulations.
The department of education may select up to three school districts for participation in the pilot program, limited to only one from each of the following geographic boundaries based on the location of district administrative offices:
3.01 (1) The Denver metropolitan area which consists of the counties of Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson;
3.01 (2) The eastern slope of the state which is the portion of the state located to the east of the continental divide but which does not include the Denver metropolitan area;
3.01 (3) The western slope of the state which is the portion of the state located to the west of the continental divide.
3.02 Considerations For Choice Models.
Selection preference will be given to three distinctively different and innovative models of choice for the pilot program. These models may include but are not limited to emphasis on:
3.02 (1) Educational programs with specific themes and multiple options. Possible options may include: science and technology, multi-cultural, gifted and talented, fine/performing arts, or Montessori themes.
3.02 (2) Collaborative efforts with districts submitting a collective proposal, assigning one district as the “lead district” for grant purposes.
3.02 (3) Integration of community and school. Possibilities may include: community service, mentors, contracting for educational services, and professionals in residence.
3.03 District-wide commitment to public schools of choice.
3.03 (1) The proposal must include statement of purpose and interest in choice.
3.03 (2) The proposal must demonstrate pilot project staff commitment to the model.
3.03 (3) The proposal must indicate evidence of parent and student interest.
3.03 (4) The proposal must outline a time line for procedures, including dates for submission of applications, notification of acceptance, and transfer opportunities.
3.03 (5) The proposal must include a plan to continue the models beyond the funded year of implementation.
3.04 Proposed measures for equity assurance in choice.
3.04 (1) The proposal must outline a means for adequate dissemination of information regarding choice options and processes to parents and students. Methods intended must include a variety of media (and if appropriate multiple languages) to ensure that an informed choice be made.
3.04 (2) The proposal must clearly delineate any conditions for student acceptance and rejection.
3.04 (3) The proposal must establish a means for consideration of surplus applications to a receiving district.
3.04 (4) The proposal must indicate plans, if any, for student transportation.
3.05 Excellence in quality of programs from which students may select.
Districts must demonstrate that the proposal will offer choices that will enhance the performance of students consistent with state goals.
2236-R-4.00 Funding Specifications.
4.01 Awards granted for first year of participation.
Extent of monetary award shall be determined based on availability of funds using a competitive process.
4.02 Use of funds by pilot districts.
Funds may be used in ways deemed necessary by the pilot districts to implement proposed programs for interdistrict choice. Pilot districts must submit an itemized account for the use of the award. Funds may not be used for maintenance of existing programs within the district.
4.03 Report of additional funds.
Districts must notify the department and state board of education of any acceptance of additional funds or awards for the purpose of establishing or maintaining interdistrict choice programs. 2236-R-5.00 Evaluation.
The department of education will conduct an annual evaluation of all participating districts. This evaluation will include assessment of the following:
5.01 Number of students participating in the program;
5.02 Evidence of improved educational opportunity and/or achievement of the participants;
5.03 Economic and ethnic characteristics of the participants;
5.04 Evidence of parent involvement in the selected school, compared to the previous level of involvement;
5.05 Parent and student reasons for transfer;
5.06 Parent and student satisfaction;
5.07 Measurements of student performance;
5.08 Transportation arrangements and their impact on the opportunity to participate;
5.09 Potential for continuation of the model after the first year;
5.10 Potential for replication;
5.11 Impact that the participating students have on the revenue base and program offerings of the involved districts.
2236-R-6.00 Statement of Basis and Purpose.
The statutory authority for these Rules, adopted by the State Board of Education on (August 9, 1990), is found in sections 22-2-107 (1) (c), 22-36-103 (1), and 22-36-103 (2) (a), C.R.S. The purpose of these rules is to assist the department of education in the selection of any school district submitting a proposal for the pilot program, pursuant to 22-36-102, 22-36-103, 22-36-104, and 22-36-105, C.R.S. The intention is to select districts that are committed to choice, and whose proposals demonstrate significant and equitable choice for students and their families.