Colorado Department of Education

Mission and Vision

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) is committed to ensuring all Colorado students have access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college, career, and life. We strive to create an equitable and innovative education system that empowers every learner to reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities and Functions

• Develop and Implement Education Policies: The CDE plays a crucial role in setting educational standards, developing curriculum frameworks, and establishing accountability systems for schools and districts.
• Provide Support and Resources: The department offers a wide range of resources and support services to educators, parents, and students, including professional development opportunities, instructional materials, and technical assistance.
• Ensure Equity and Access: CDE works tirelessly to address educational disparities and ensure all students, regardless of background, have equal opportunities to succeed.
• Promote Innovation and Collaboration: The department fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration within the education community, encouraging the adoption of best practices and the development of new solutions.
• Collect and Analyze Data: CDE gathers and analyzes data to monitor student performance, identify trends, and inform policy decisions.
• Advocate for Education: The department represents Colorado’s education system at the state and national levels, advocating for increased funding, improved policies, and strong public support for education.

Organizational Structure

• Commissioner of Education: The Commissioner of Education serves as the head of the CDE and is appointed by the Governor.
• Deputy Commissioners: The Commissioner is supported by a team of Deputy Commissioners who oversee specific areas of responsibility, such as instruction, finance, and special education.
• Divisions and Offices: The CDE is organized into various divisions and offices, each responsible for a specific aspect of education, including:
  • Division of School Finance
  • Division of Instruction
  • Division of Special Education and Early Childhood
  • Office of Student Support Services
  • Office of Assessment and Accountability
  • Office of School Innovation and Improvement

Programs and Initiatives

• Colorado Academic Standards: The CDE develops and maintains academic standards in all subject areas to ensure students are prepared for college and career.
• Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS): CDE administers statewide assessments, known as CMAS, to measure student proficiency in reading, writing, mathematics, and science.
• School Performance Framework: This framework uses multiple indicators to measure school performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Early Childhood Education: The department supports quality early childhood programs and initiatives to prepare young children for kindergarten.
• Special Education: CDE ensures that students with disabilities receive appropriate services and support to meet their individual needs.
• Career and Technical Education: The department promotes career and technical education programs to provide students with valuable skills and knowledge for future careers.
• School Safety and Security: CDE works with schools and districts to promote safe and supportive learning environments for all students.

Engaging with the CDE

• Website: The CDE website provides comprehensive information about the department, its programs, and resources.
• Contact Us: The CDE has a dedicated contact page for inquiries from educators, parents, and the public.
• Social Media: The department is active on social media platforms, sharing updates and engaging with the education community.
• Public Meetings and Events: The CDE hosts public meetings and events to provide opportunities for stakeholders to engage in discussions about education policy and practice.

Importance of the CDE

The Colorado Department of Education plays a vital role in shaping the future of education in Colorado. By developing policies, providing resources, and advocating for students, the CDE ensures that all students have access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in the 21st century.