What’s churning:
Ethan Hemming, interim director of the state Charter School Institute, has been named permanent executive director.
Hemming was selected Tuesday by the institute’s board. He joined the institute early last year as deputy executive director after working as deputy executive director for the DPS Office of School Reform and Innovation. He held three other positions with DPS starting in 1997, including director of the Planning and Innovation Office, director of the School of Choice Office and as a project manager.
The institute is the authorizer for 22 schools with some 10,500 students.
A key feature of the educator evaluation law passed in 2010 is the provision that teachers who have two consecutive years of ineffective performance ratings will lose non-probationary status.
While many of the rules for the new system have been approved by the State Board of Education and are headed to legislative ratification, rules for how teachers appeal ineffective ratings are still in the works.
The State Council for Educator Effectiveness worked all day last Friday over the phone to finish its recommended rules, and the SBE today is expected to make the formal notice of rulemaking.
Under that schedule, the board will have a special meeting on Feb. 24 to review draft rules updated by Department of Education staff and will take another look during the March 7-8 regular meeting. There will be a public hearing during a special meeting on March 30, and the board will vote during its regular meeting April 11-12.
Then the appeals rules go to the legislature, which has to adjourn by May 9.
The educator effectiveness council is suggesting a 90-day appeals process under which teachers would have the burden of proof in showing ineffective ratings were inaccurate. While SB 10-191 makes superintendents the final authority in appeals, the council is suggesting that a review panel of administrators and teachers could be involved in an appeal at the superintendents’ discretion.
The SBE today also will hear two charter school appeals against the Denver Public Schools, one by Northeast Academy Charter and one by Monarch Montessori. The meets starting at 9 a.m. in the boardroom at 201 E. Colfax Ave. Agenda highlights
What’s on tap:
Both the House and Senate education committees are meeting today. A key measure on House Education’s calendar is House Bill 12-1072, which would direct the Colorado Commission on Higher Education to create a system under which students could receive college credit for various life and professional experiences.
Both panels meet mid-morning after floor sessions adjourn, House Ed in room 0112 and Senate Ed in room 354.
The EdNews’ Churn is a daily roundup of briefs, notes and meetings in the world of Colorado education. To submit an item for consideration in this listing, please email us at EdNews@EdNewsColorado.org.