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Debut near for guv's sweeping ed-reform bill

By Berny Morson, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published February 27, 2008 at 7:07 p.m.
Updated February 27, 2008 at 7:07 p.m.

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Gov. Bill Ritter has been promising sweeping education reform since he began his run for the state's top office in 2006.

That kind of change could come about under a bill to be introduced in the Senate as early as next week, with Ritter's blessing.

The measure, circulating in draft form among lawmakers and educators, would establish a statewide standard for what constitutes readiness for college or the workforce.

High school graduation requirements and curriculum would be revised to reflect the new standards.

And tests adminstered under the Colorado Student Assessment Program — a subject of long-running complaint among teachers and some parents — would follow the new curriculum.

Testing would extend to 12th grade. It now ends in 10th grade.

"This is a comprehensive sea change in the way that we approach education policy in this state," said Matt Gianneschi, Ritter's education advisor.

The bill permits school districts to scrap traditional course structures if students can meet the readiness standards in a different way.

"What we're saying is, it's the competencies that matter, and so if you can deliver that in a curriculum that doesn't look anything like what the curriculum in the school district next door to you has, fine," Gianneschi said.

In his State-of-the-State speech in January, Ritter promised an education bill this year that he characterized as "revolutionary." He said the measure would have bi-partisan sponsorship.

The Senate sponsors will be Sen. Josh Penry, R-Fruita, and Sen. Chris Romer, D-Denver.

Romer and Penry, in separate interviews, said the bill will make the statewide achievement tests relevant to high school students, some of whom find the exam a nuisance.

Under the new system, the test will measure whether students are advancing toward the goal of being college ready.

"That's the subtle and central point of what we're trying to do," Penry said.

Some students don't realize they're not making it until they take a college entrance exam in the 11th grade, Romer pointed out.

The bill establishes a "preschool to postsecondary alignment council" headed by the state education commissioner and the director of the higher education department. The 11-member panel, made up of educators and community leaders, will devise a definition of readiness for college or the work force.

The state Board of Education and the Colorado Commission on Higher education will then be asked to adopt the same definition.

Earning a diploma based on the new standards would entitle a student to attend a state college.

The alignment council would also make a recommendation on whether school districts should be allowed to offer what is already being called a "gold plated diploma." It would recognize student achievement that exceeds the college readiness standard.

morsonb@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5209

Highlights of the education reform bill

* A council chaired by the education commissioner and director of higher eduction would define readiness for college or the workforce.

* The state Board of Education and the Colorado Commission on Higher Education would adopt the definition.

* School districts would adjust graduation standards and the curriculum to meet the new definition.

* Beginning with the class of 2015, students who earn a diploma under the new standards would be guaranteed admission to a state college.

* Statewide achievement testing would be overhauled to reflect the new standards and curriculum.