Date: 03/13/2013

Final
Discussion on Alternative Education Campuses

COMMITTEE ON JOINT EDUCATION

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
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08:21 AM -- Discussion on Alternative Education Campuses

Kim Dolan, Associate Director, Donnell-Kay Foundation, and Vinny Badolato, Vice President of Public Affairs, Colorado League of Charter Schools (League), came to the table. Ms. Dolan spoke about the mission of Donnell-Kay in regards to Alternative Education Campuses (AECs). She distributed three handouts (Attachments B, C and D), and stated that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work for high-risk students. Ms. Dolan explained that by law, AECs in Colorado must serve 95 percent of special needs and high-risk students. She told the committee about the types, location, and make-up of the 79 AECs that serve students statewide. Ms. Dolan discussed AEC eligibility and explained the need to focus on academic risk factors and specific school design features that are essential to the success of AEC students. She talked about performance and accountability, and stated that it is important to prepare students for college and career readiness, and that AECs have significantly higher student drop out rates than traditional schools.

13JtEd0313AttachB.pdf13JtEd0313AttachB.pdf 13JtEd0313AttachC.pdf13JtEd0313AttachC.pdf

13JtEd0313AttachD.pdf13JtEd0313AttachD.pdf

08:30 AM

Ms. Dolan concluded her presentation by talking about funding and resources for AECs. Mr. Badolato stated that the League is a strong advocate for AECs and talked about his involvement with the New America School, which is a system of publically funded charter high schools. Mr. Badolato told the committee about a stakeholder group, of which Donnell Kay and the League are members, that meets to discuss a wide array of policy options to enhance AECs throughout the state. He talked about the specific populations served by AECs, as well as several of the specific policy options discussed by the stakeholder group.


08:39 AM

Mr. Badolato explained that Colorado is one of a few states that have statutorily-required AECs. He talked about the challenges faced by AECs that impact student performance. Senator Todd asked if any AECs have a career and technical education focus. Representative Hamner asked about the difference between other alternative education programs and AECs. Mr. Badolato stated that in order for a school to become an AEC, at least 95 percent of its student population must posses at least one special needs or high-risk factor. The committee discussed the correlation between increased rigor and increased drop out rates, as well as the pilot study proposed by the AEC stakeholder group.


08:49 AM

The committee adjourned.