CCW

Many are skeptical about whether government gives what it promises, or whether the money in provides value out.

Senators Evie Hudak (D-Arvada) and Keith King (R-ColoSpgs) along with Representatives Tom Massey (R-Poncha Springs) and Karen Middleton (D-Aurora) sponsored SB09-163. http://www.coloradocapitolwatch.com/search/bill_detail.php?bnn=SB09-163&ca=1&yy=2009&cu=  The bill requires the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) to implement the Colorado Growth Model, tracking school districts, schools, and kids by academic and readiness growth and achievement.

The new law has resulted in School View, a website at the CDE making it easy to see how schools are doing compared within districts, across districts and across the state http://www.schoolview.org/. 

Grandparents can see how their grandkids’ schools compare to each other and to the state median.  Parents can check out growth trends.  Home buyers can use School View  to see where individual schools stand on a four quadrant growth grid by math, reading, and writing. https://cdeapps.cde.state.co.us/growth_model_public/ 

The growth grid is important because it offers a more nuanced view of schools, a big improvement over the old grading system.  A school that used to be graded poorly may be making great strides in helping its kids succeed academically. 

The website also shows school performance reports including CSAP scores, giving anyone interested a more detailed view of school performance by grade level.

The state added 2.7 positions to build the School View website and manage the data at a cost of $185,132 in 2009, growing to 3 positions and $205,701 in 2010.  But it saves $252,445 in postage and mailing the former School Achievement Report to parents. http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2009a/csl.nsf/BillFoldersSenate?OpenFrameSet

This project provides an outstanding product and lowers cost; it’s government that’s working.