The deadline for teachers and Specialized Service Providers (SSP) to submit Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) using the SLO application is Friday, Sept. 29. Team members who have students twice a week or less have until Oct. 30. School leaders should approve SLOs by Oct. 30 (Nov. 17 for the adjusted deadline).

To support, the SLO Resource Bank has nearly 300 model SLOs. Models provide a list of assessments that could be used to determine students' baseline preparedness. DPS Assessment Strategy opt-in schools have additional resources available in Illuminate. These include Preparedness Reports (for math grades 1-10 and literacy grades 4-12) that use previous-year SLOs, state assessments and current-year assessment data to provide recommended preparedness levels for students.

For more information, visit the SLO website or contact [email protected].

As a teacher, you have instant access to review the education/licensure information that DPS has on file for you, and to update it if needed. This information is required by law to be reported back to the Colorado Department of Education. Please confirm your education/licensure information is accurate.

To learn more about how you will use Infor HR in your role as a teacher, log in to Schoology and use access code M6T86-FFDQQ to launch a self-paced online tutorial. Please contact [email protected]  if you have questions.

Research has shown that the gradual release of information in the classroom can boost student achievement exponentially. To support, teachers can access a calendar outlining recommended assessment windows for unit and interim assessments.

Additionally, visit the DPS Formative Assessment Modules in Schoology to access resources and learn more about practices used by our schools, including developing data systems that allow students to set their own goals and progress monitor. Access these resources by going to "Courses," click "Join" and enter the code to join the group.

For more information, email [email protected].  

DPS had developed the Colorado Spanish Language Arts (CSLA) growth calculation to ensure schools can evaluate the academic growth of our students, regardless of language of instruction. Teachers can now access the CSLA growth for your students in Illuminate. Learn more about how CSLA growth is calculated, informs instruction and relates to the School Performance Framework here. For more information, please contact Katy Johnson.

The 2017 ACCESS Trajectory and Growth reports are now available in Illuminate, as well as support resources including Types of ACCESS Data and A Guide to the 2017 Trajectory. These one-pagers will help guide understanding of the changes to ACCESS scoring, 2017 trajectory calculation, and the Colorado Department of Education redesignation policy, and how that will impact services for English language learners. For more information, contact your ELA partner or Patrick Rich.

University of Colorado at Denver (UCD) offers a Principal Licensure Program for diverse communities that is designed for aspiring principals or teachers interested in becoming leaders in their schools. Attend a session from 5-6:30 p.m. at Denver Place, 999 18th St., Suite 144, on Oct. 11 or Oct. 26. Parking is free in the garage on 18th Street. 

DPS supports all of our educators in growing both professionally and personally, and the new Values-Based Leadership Programs booklet has resources to help you make the most of these free, DPS-developed programs.

In addition to supporting the LEAP framework, teachers who attend a values-based leadership opportunity will receive guest teacher support and earn contact hours for completed programs.

Get started with these upcoming programs:

Develop your leadership skills to become a teacher leader by participating in online or in-person professional development opportunities this fall and in the spring. If you are a strong educator who believes in continuous improvement for adults, as well as kids, register for this opportunity to learn how to build your leadership skills and about leadership opportunities. Click here to learn more and to register. 

All teacher leaders, including Team Specialists, can register here for sessions to support your individual development and fulfill professional learning requirements during Fall Leadership Development Weeks Oct. 9-20. Sessions are available during the day, evenings and online, including sessions to supports your ability to lead data-driven instruction and adult learning. Visit the Teacher Leader website for more information about teacher leader professional learning opportunities and requirements.

Click here to learn more about the Teacher Leadership & Collaboration (TLC) Advisory Council, which focuses on ensuring teacher leaders have a voice in conversations at the district level and can contribute to decisions around teacher leadership across DPS.

Additionally, TLC Ambassadors are teacher leaders (any role including Senior/Team Lead, Team Specialist, New Teacher Ambassador, Regional Team Specialist) who represent DPS and their role in a variety of activities from appearing on panels in trainings, participating in interviews, videos, parent forums and other DPS events.

If you are interested in either of these opportunities, complete this application form.