This report is presented in fulfillment of a reporting requirement under Colorado SB 11-111 that directed the Legislative Educational Success Task Force to prepare an interim report on the Education Success Task Force findings and recommendations. This report explores the legislative, programmatic, and statewide innovations that may positively impact student success. Finally, this report will briefly explore the task force 2012-13 agenda.

This strategic overview shares the vision and commitment in Colorado to transform the student learning experience, close achievement gaps, and ensure college and career readiness for all students. Developed by CDE and CLF, the five-year statewide plan sets ambitious strategic goals and outlines the initial slate of detailed initiatives and related funding requirements to drive progress toward those goals over the next two years. The plan identifies...

School districts around the country have launched new reform strategies that are designed to expand autonomy for public schools, often called "Innovation Schools." Pursuant to these state- and local-level plans to create more autonomous schools, school leaders are granted greater amounts of authority over school operations such as curriculum, budgeting, and hiring, while districts continue to manage services related to teacher payroll and benefits....