Angelika Schroeder

Education

We need highly qualified teachers, but we must also work to further simplify licensure while maintaining rigor. While it’s concerning that there is such a decrease in candidates to become teachers, it is not surprising. The cost of traditional teacher preparation programs is prohibitive, especially when the subsequent pay is well below national norms. I will continue to support an increase in quality alternative programs in our state, including rural programs, as well as advocate at the capitol and locally to provide incentives for students to enter the teaching profession. Once teachers enter and receive licensure, we must provide support to retain them in their vital roles. Learn more

While it is up to our legislators and voters to increase funding for our schools, as state board chair, I will use my role to advocate for adequate and equitable funding for our students. In addition to state and local sources, the state of Colorado receives funds from the Federal government for our students that have traditionally been under served by the education system. As board chair I will continue to ensure that these funds go directly to the students who need it most. Learn more

will continue to support the growth in high school programs that allow students to earn college credits before they get their high school diplomas, attend job training programs or participate in internships. While many opportunities already exist, including earning an associate degree at time of high school graduation, some districts still have very limited offerings. Many students depend on these programs whether they choose to earn a college degree or enter the workforce after high school. Under my leadership the state board can and will work with districts, community colleges, and the legislature to expand these options. Learn more

It is the role of the State Board to review and revise the Colorado Academic Standards. This June we adopted revisions to Colorado’s content standards, ensuring that they are high, reasonable and aligned from year to year so students can move through the system learning what they need to know. As chair, and with the support of the Democratic board majority, we ensured that our standards are based on facts and evidence, and not influenced by political rhetoric. When reelected, I will work to ensure that we support Colorado’s teachers in making the revisions to their curriculum to align with the updated standards. This will be particularly important for the new science standards, where significant changes were made to help Colorado students match the rigor of scientific inquiry and learning expected in other states. Learn more