Leaders and staff in new schools are sometimes confused by the state requirement to create a Unified Improvement Plan (UIP). Why would a school that has not been in existence need an improvement plan? First, the state accountability law requires that all schools, regardless of circumstance, develop a UIP. Second, new schools can launch with a strong start when leaders, staff, and the community are proactive and purposeful in their efforts to be highly...

Each state in the nation is charged with creating their own plan for meeting the goals of ESSA. The purpose of the ESSA Hub Committee was to provide oversight of the ESSA state plan development by individuals who represent a diverse set of key education stakeholders and make recommendations to the State Board of Education for decisions to be included in Colorado's ESSA state plan.

CDE developed four strategic goals that highlight shared core values for the education system in Colorado. These goals are represented throughout the ESSA state plan. 1. Start Strong- Every student starts strong with a solid foundation from preschool through third grade. 2. Read by third grade- Every student reads at grade level by the end of third grade. 3. Meet or exceed standards - Every student meets or exceeds standards. 4. Graduate ready - Every...