School PD Requirements in Colorado
What professional development requirements does a school in Colorado need to meet?
As a result of changes to the Colorado READ Act in SB 19-199 (PDF), Colorado school districts are required to ensure all K – 3 teachers complete 45 hours of evidence-based training in teaching reading. To meet this training requirement, explore the ConnectedPD course catalog for online reading PD.
According to the English Language Proficiency Act, schools districts in CO must provide professional development to all staff members supporting English learners to enhance their abilities to provide English language development and access to grade-level content.
The Superintendent is encouraged to create a tiered system of supports to engage students in bullying prevention best practices. These best practices include, but are not limited to, training school staff on an annual basis regarding the school’s bullying prevention practices.
How can Colorado schools implement trauma-informed practices?
- Supporting staff development. Staff must be trained with a baseline understanding of trauma and its’ impact on students and staff. Staff development includes ongoing learning and coaching in trauma-informed practices to support implementation across academics, assessment, behavioral supports, and family, caregiver, and community partnerships. Additionally, staff need to receive ongoing professional learning in evidence-based practices that are essential in supporting students including problem solving, cognitive skills, emotional regulation, and social emotional learning.
- Creating a safe and supportive environment. This includes training and expertise in culturally responsive practices to learn and value the cultural history of students and their families.
- Collaborate with Students and Families. Students, families, and caregivers are given a voice to express their concerns.
- Policies and Procedures. Existing policies and procedures are reviewed regularly against trauma-informed core beliefs to ensure full alignment.
What are the Professional Learning Standards in Colorado?
According to the Colorado State Board of Education (SBE), professional development activities must be related to:
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- Increasing the license holder’s competence in his or her existing or potential endorsement content area; or,
- Increasing the licensee’s skills and competence in delivering instruction in his or her existing or potential endorsement area; or,
- Increasing the licensee’s skills and competence in teaching literacy or numeracy.
How do I contact the CO Department of Education?
Contact the Colorado Department of Education
201 East Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80203
303-866-6600
Disclaimer: Please ensure the information and courses meet requirements for your school and circumstances and align with what your state Department of Education requires. The new continuing education information and school PD requirements in Colorado listed on this page are current as of May 16th, 2023 to meet the best information available. State professional development requirements and may change and it is your responsibility as a school administrator to know your state staff development requirements and the process for submission and approval of all professional and staff development hours. Professional Learning Board can not guarantee acceptance by your school, district, state Department of Education or local authority.