K-12 Education

All children deserve the opportunity for a strong education that prepares them for success in higher education, the workforce, and life. Improving student success in public education also benefits all Coloradans by ensuring a more skilled workforce, higher tax revenues, and less crime. Only through thoughtful and continual reform of the current educational system will we see improved educational outcomes for all of Colorado’s children.

Where Colorado Stands:

According to the most recent data, Colorado ranks 49th in state spending on K-12 education as measured by personal income, and the state spends on average $2,079 per pupil less than the national average. This is compounded by the state legislature’s reduction in state education spending by 5 percent this school year and likely additional cuts next year. Not surprisingly, students in Colorado are struggling academically. In 2009, 60 percent of Colorado fourth graders were not reading at grade level. And, according to national statistics, Colorado has the fifth highest dropout rate among ninth to twelfth grade students. However, at the same time, Colorado has established itself as a national leader in other education areas, including school accountability, public school choice, and, most recently, educator effectiveness.

What the Children’s Campaign is Doing:

Although policy has progressed in recent years, much more can be done to improve student achievement, reduce achievement gaps, increase high school graduation rates, and ensure educator effectiveness. Specifically, advocates and policymakers must work together to prevent further cuts to K-12 education funding, implement high-quality standards and meaningful student assessments for academic growth and educator effectiveness, and ensure all students have the opportunity and support needed to complete high school. To reach these goals the Children’s Campaign is focused on the following key policy priorities:

Moving Forward

Although policy has progressed in recent years, much more can be done to improve student achievement, reduce achievement gaps, increase high school graduation rates, and ensure educator effectiveness. Specifically, advocates and policymakers must work together to prevent further cuts to K-12 education funding, implement high-quality standards, and meaningful student assessments for academic growth and educator effectiveness and ensure all students have the opportunity and support needed to complete high school. We know that a better educated Colorado leads to reduced crime rates, better jobs, a stronger workforce, and a more stable economy.

Investing in Kids

The Children’s Campaign is committed to protecting funding for education through the annual School Finance Act. While it is unrealistic to think additional cuts can be avoided in these economic times, mitigating the cuts and decreasing them when possible remains a critical priority for the Children’s Campaign. The Children’s Campaign is also focused on maintaining funding for the School Counselor Corps grant program, which is critical to supporting students’ completion of high school and preparing them for college or other postsecondary work.

Trusted Resources

National Center on School Engagement
America’s Promise Alliance
Colorado Department of Education





Want to Learn More?

For more information on our work in the area of K-12 education, please contact the Children’s Campaign’s Director of Government Affairs, Reilly Pharo, at reilly@coloradokids.org or (303) 839-1580.

Additional Resources