Colorado School Climate Policy

 

 

There are 181 school districts in Colorado, which support 1,825 schools. There were 855,482 students enrolled in K-12 public schools in the 2021-2022 school year. Approximately 37% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches. Colorado has no policies that specifically address school climate. However, there are policies addressing the different aspects of school climate such as but not limited to bullying prevention, emergency plans, firearm safety, social-emotional learning, character education, suicide prevention, anti-discrimination, and media literacy. In 2019, a K-5 social-emotional health program was implemented for elementary schools with high poverty and high need students to determine the impact of mental health professionals. The Native American language and culture instruction policy allows for a school board to grant educational credit to the successful completion of Native American language coursework for a federally recognized tribe language.

Safety

There is currently no policy surrounding School Climate in Colorado. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center

Defines the terms bullying and behaviors associated with bullying 

  • Colorado Revised Statutes 22-32-109.1. Board of education – specific powers and duties – safe school plan – conduct and discipline code – safe school reporting requirements – school response framework – school resource officers – definitions – repeal.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/school-districts/article-32-school-district-boards-powers-and-duties/section-22-32-1091-board-of-education-specific-powers-and-duties-safe-school-plan-conduct-and-discipline-code-safe-school-reporting-requirements-school-response-framework-school-resource-officers-definitions

Colorado asks schools to develop and implement procedures to prevent bullying and harassment behavior and the consequences of such behavior. Policies also explain that procedures are needed reviewing and updating.

  • Colorado Revised Statutes 22-2-144. Bullying prevention and education policies – short title – study.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/general-and-administrative/article-2-department-commissioner/part-1-department-of-education-commissioner/section-22-2-144-bullying-prevention-and-education-policies-short-title-study

  • Colorado Revised Statutes 22-93-106 – School bullying prevention and education – availability of best practices and other resources.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/miscellaneous/article-93-school-bullying-prevention-and-education-grant-program/section-22-93-106-school-bullying-prevention-and-education-availability-of-best-practices-and-other-resources

  • Colorado Revised Statutes 22-32-109.1. Board of education – specific powers and duties – safe school plan – conduct and discipline code – safe school reporting requirements – school response framework – school resource officers – definitions – repeal.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/school-districts/article-32-school-district-boards-powers-and-duties/section-22-32-1091-board-of-education-specific-powers-and-duties-safe-school-plan-conduct-and-discipline-code-safe-school-reporting-requirements-school-response-framework-school-resource-officers-definitions


Who does this protect? Students, Teachers

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Colorado schools need to develop plans for dealing with emergencies and explain drills that need to take place during the school year.

  • Colorado Revised Statutes 24-33.5-1213.4. School all-hazard emergency planning and response.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-24-government-state/principal-departments/article-335-public-safety/part-12-division-of-fire-prevention-and-control/section-24-335-12134-school-all-hazard-emergency-planning-and-response

  • Colorado Revised Statutes 22-32-109.1. Board of education – specific powers and duties – safe school plan – conduct and discipline code – safe school reporting requirements – school response framework – school resource officers – definitions – repeal.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/school-districts/article-32-school-district-boards-powers-and-duties/section-22-32-1091-board-of-education-specific-powers-and-duties-safe-school-plan-conduct-and-discipline-code-safe-school-reporting-requirements-school-response-framework-school-resource-officers-definitions

Colorado Revised Statutes 24-33.5-1803. School safety resource center – created – duties.

The school safety resource center will assist schools in preventing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and crises and foster positive learning environments.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-24-government-state/principal-departments/article-335-public-safety/part-18-school-safety-resource-center/section-24-335-1803-school-safety-resource-center-created-duties

Colorado Revised Statutes 22-32-146 – School use of on-site peace officers as school resource officers.

Describes the duties of peace officers when working on school property or school-related activities.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/school-districts/article-32-school-district-boards-powers-and-duties/section-22-32-146-school-use-of-on-site-peace-officers-as-school-resource-officers

Colorado Revised Statutes 16-2.5-101 – Peace officer – description – general authority.

A peace officer certified by the training board shall have the authority to carry firearms at all times, concealed or otherwise, subject to the written firearms policy created by the agency employing the peace officer.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-16-criminal-proceedings/code-of-criminal-procedure/article-25-peace-officers/part-1-peace-officers/section-16-25-101-peace-officer-description-general-authority

Colorado Revised Statutes Section 18-12-105.5 – Unlawfully carrying a weapon – unlawful possession of weapons – school, college, or university grounds.

Students, teachers, and other school employees are not allowed to possess or carry weapons or firearms on school property.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-18-criminal-code/article-12-offenses-relating-to-firearms-and-weapons/part-1-firearms-and-weapons-general/section-18-12-1055-unlawfully-carrying-a-weapon-unlawful-possession-of-weapons-school-college-or-university-grounds


Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Colorado Revised Statutes 22-102-102. K-5 social and emotional health pilot program; creation; selection of pilot schools; rules.

There is created the K-5 social and emotional health pilot program in the department to determine the impact of dedicated school mental health professionals in kindergarten through fifth grade in elementary schools that have high-poverty, high-need students.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/miscellaneous/article-102-colorado-k-5-social-and-emotional-health-act/section-22-102-104-k-5-social-and-emotional-health-pilot-program-creation-selection-of-pilot-schools-rules

Colorado Revised Statutes 22-32-144. Restorative justice practices – legislative declaration.

The general assembly supports and encourages the use of restorative justice as a school’s first consideration to remediate offenses such as interpersonal conflicts, bullying, verbal and physical conflicts, theft, damage to property, class disruption, harassment and internet harassment, and attendance issues. A definition of restorative practices is provided. 

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/school-districts/article-32-school-district-boards-powers-and-duties/section-22-32-144-restorative-justice-practices-legislative-declaration

Colorado Revised Statutes 22-33-107. Enforcement of compulsory school attendance – definitions.

It is the attendance officer’s duty in appropriate cases to counsel students and parents and investigate the causes of nonattendance and report to the local board of education to enforce the provisions of this article that relate to compulsory attendance.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/school-districts/article-33-school-attendance-law-of-1963/part-1-school-attendance-law-of-1963/section-22-33-107-enforcement-of-compulsory-school-attendance-definitions

Colorado Revised Statutes 22-29-103 – Character education – development – resource.

Each school district, either individually or through a board of cooperative services, is strongly encouraged to establish a character education program designed to help students cultivate what is listed in this policy.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/compensatory-education/article-29-character-education/section-22-29-103-character-education-development-resource

Colorado Revised Statutes 22-2-127.9. Mental health education literacy – resource bank – technical assistance.

The department, with assistance from the office of suicide prevention, the Colorado youth advisory, and the suicide prevention commission, shall create and maintain a resource bank of evidence-based, research-based, and promising program materials and curricula about mental health, which materials and curricula may be used in elementary and secondary schools in the state. The resource bank and curricula must be youth-friendly, culturally sensitive, and available in both English and Spanish.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/general-and-administrative/article-2-department-commissioner/part-1-department-of-education-commissioner/section-22-2-1279-mental-health-education-literacy-resource-bank-technical-assistance


Who does this protect? Students, Students of color, ELL students, and staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Teaching/Learning

Colorado provides students with disabilities the accommodations and resources they need to have an appropriate education.

  • Colorado Revised Statutes 22-20-106 – [Effective Until 7/1/2024] Special education programs – early intervening services – rules.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/compensatory-education/article-20-education-of-exceptional-children/part-1-education-of-children-with-disabilities/section-22-20-106-effective-until-712024-special-education-programs-early-intervening-services-rules

  • Colorado Revised Statutes 22-20-108 – Determination of disability – enrollment.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/compensatory-education/article-20-education-of-exceptional-children/part-1-education-of-children-with-disabilities/section-22-20-108-determination-of-disability-enrollment

  • Colorado Revised Statutes 22-20-107.5 – District of residence of a child with a disability – jurisdiction. 

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/compensatory-education/article-20-education-of-exceptional-children/part-1-education-of-children-with-disabilities/section-22-20-1075-district-of-residence-of-a-child-with-a-disability-jurisdiction

  • Colorado Revised Statutes 22-20-204 – Gifted education – program plans – implementation – qualified personnel – local advisory committees.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/compensatory-education/article-20-education-of-exceptional-children/part-2-education-of-gifted-children/section-22-20-204-gifted-education-program-plans-implementation-qualified-personnel-local-advisory-committees

  • Colorado Revised Statutes 22-20-204.3 – Identification of gifted children – advanced learning plans – creation – rules. 

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/compensatory-education/article-20-education-of-exceptional-children/part-2-education-of-gifted-children/section-22-20-2043-identification-of-gifted-children-advanced-learning-plans-creation-rules

Colorado Revised Statutes 22-24-102 – Legislative declaration.

Local education providers must provide evidence-based English language proficiency programs for English language learners to enable them to develop and acquire English language proficiency while achieving and maintaining grade-level performance in academic content areas.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/compensatory-education/article-24-english-language-proficiency-act/section-22-24-102-legislative-declaration

 


Who does this protect? Students, Students with disabilities, ELL students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Colorado Revised Statutes 22-32-137 – Community service and service-learning.

Each school district shall consider and, if the school district board of education deems it appropriate, adopt a policy to encourage students to engage in community service or service-learning and to recognize students’ contributions to their communities through community service or service-learning.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/school-districts/article-32-school-district-boards-powers-and-duties/section-22-32-137-community-service-and-service-learning


Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Interpersonal Relationships

Colorado Revised Statutes 22-32-109. Board of education – specific duties.

The schools in the district are subject to all federal and state laws and constitutional provisions prohibiting discrimination based on disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/school-districts/article-32-school-district-boards-powers-and-duties/section-22-32-109-board-of-education-specific-duties-definitions

Colorado Revised Statutes 22-32-145 – Native American language and culture instruction – general credit.

A school district board of education may adopt a policy to grant general education or world language credit for the successful completion of Native American language coursework for languages of federally recognized tribes.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/school-districts/article-32-school-district-boards-powers-and-duties/section-22-32-145-native-american-language-and-culture-instruction-general-credit


Who does this protect? Students, Students with disabilities, students from marginalized groups, staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Colorado Revised Statutes 24-31-312 – School resource officer training.

In assigning peace officers to serve as school resource officers each law enforcement agency is encouraged to ensure that such peace officers have completed the school resource officer training curriculum or will complete said training within six months after beginning the assignment.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-24-government-state/principal-departments/article-31-department-of-law/part-3-peace-officers-standards-and-training/section-24-31-312-school-resource-officer-training

Colorado Revised Statutes 22-60.5-110. Renewal of licenses. 

  • A professional licensee shall complete such ongoing professional development within the period for which such professional license is valid. Such professional development may include, but need not be limited to, in-service education programs, including programs concerning juvenile mental health issues and the awareness and prevention of youth suicide and training in preventing, identifying, and responding to child sexual abuse and assault.
  • Includes recognition, appreciation, and support for ethnic, cultural, gender, economic, and human diversity to provide fair and equitable treatment and consideration for all.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/teachers/article-605-colorado-educator-licensing-act/part-1-general-provisions/section-22-605-110-renewal-of-licenses
Colorado Revised Statutes 22-32-142 – Parent engagement – policy – communications – incentives.

As part of the district parent engagement policy, a district is encouraged to provide training concerning best practices and skills for district and school personnel in working with parents

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/school-districts/article-32-school-district-boards-powers-and-duties/section-22-32-142-parent-engagement-policy-communications-incentives


Who does this protect? Staff, Students from marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Colorado Revised Statutes 22-102-102. K-5 social and emotional health pilot program; creation; selection of pilot schools; rules.

There is created the K-5 social and emotional health pilot program in the department to determine the impact of dedicated school mental health professionals in kindergarten through fifth grade in elementary schools that have high-poverty, high-need students.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/miscellaneous/article-102-colorado-k-5-social-and-emotional-health-act/section-22-102-104-k-5-social-and-emotional-health-pilot-program-creation-selection-of-pilot-schools-rules

 Colorado Revised Statutes 22-32-144. Restorative justice practices – legislative declaration.

The general assembly supports and encourages the use of restorative justice as a school’s first consideration to remediate offenses such as interpersonal conflicts, bullying, verbal and physical conflicts, theft, damage to property, class disruption, harassment and internet harassment, and attendance issues. A definition of restorative practices is provided.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/school-districts/article-32-school-district-boards-powers-and-duties/section-22-32-144-restorative-justice-practices-legislative-declaration

Colorado Revised Statutes 22-33-107. Enforcement of compulsory school attendance – definitions.

It is the attendance officer’s duty in appropriate cases to counsel students and parents and investigate the causes of nonattendance and report to the local board of education to enforce the provisions of this article that relate to compulsory attendance.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/school-districts/article-33-school-attendance-law-of-1963/part-1-school-attendance-law-of-1963/section-22-33-107-enforcement-of-compulsory-school-attendance-definitions

Colorado Revised Statutes 22-29-103 – Character education – development – resource.

Each school district, either individually or through a board of cooperative services, is strongly encouraged to establish a character education program designed to help students cultivate what is listed in this policy.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/compensatory-education/article-29-character-education/section-22-29-103-character-education-development-resource


Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Institutional Environments

Colorado Revised Statutes 22-32-142 – Parent engagement – policy – communications – incentives.

Each school district board of education shall adopt a district policy for increasing and supporting parent engagement in the public schools, including charter schools, of the school district.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/school-districts/article-32-school-district-boards-powers-and-duties/section-22-32-142-parent-engagement-policy-communications-incentives

Colorado Revised Statutes 22-7-304 – Council – advisory duties – technical assistance – report.

Lists several different best practices and strategies for increasing and supporting parent engagement.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/general-and-administrative/article-7-educational-accountability/part-3-colorado-state-advisory-council-for-parent-involvement-in-education/section-22-7-304-council-advisory-duties-technical-assistance-report

Colorado Revised Statutes 22-11-302. School district accountability committee – powers and duties.

The committee’s activities to increase parent engagement must include, but need not be limited to;

  • Publicizing opportunities to serve and soliciting parents to serve on the school district accountability committee and school accountability committees.
  • Assist the school district in implementing the parent engagement policy adopted by the local school board.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/general-and-administrative/article-11-accreditation/part-3-school-district-and-institute-accountability/section-22-11-302-school-district-accountability-committee-powers-and-duties

Colorado Revised Statutes 22-7-302. Definitions.

Describes what the national standard for family-school partnerships looks like based on research.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/general-and-administrative/article-7-educational-accountability/part-3-colorado-state-advisory-council-for-parent-involvement-in-education/section-22-7-302-definitions


Who does this protect? Students, Parents

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Colorado schools need to develop plans for dealing with emergencies and explain drills that need to take place during the school year.

  • Colorado Revised Statutes 24-33.5-1213.4. School all-hazard emergency planning and response.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-24-government-state/principal-departments/article-335-public-safety/part-12-division-of-fire-prevention-and-control/section-24-335-12134-school-all-hazard-emergency-planning-and-response

  • Colorado Revised Statutes 22-32-109.1. Board of education – specific powers and duties – safe school plan – conduct and discipline code – safe school reporting requirements – school response framework – school resource officers – definitions – repeal.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/school-districts/article-32-school-district-boards-powers-and-duties/section-22-32-1091-board-of-education-specific-powers-and-duties-safe-school-plan-conduct-and-discipline-code-safe-school-reporting-requirements-school-response-framework-school-resource-officers-definitions

Colorado Revised Statutes 24-33.5-1803. School safety resource center – created – duties.

The school safety resource center will assist schools in preventing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and crises and foster positive learning environments.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-24-government-state/principal-departments/article-335-public-safety/part-18-school-safety-resource-center/section-24-335-1803-school-safety-resource-center-created-duties

Colorado Revised Statutes 22-32-146 – School use of on-site peace officers as school resource officers.

Describes the duties of peace officers when working on school property or school-related activities.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/school-districts/article-32-school-district-boards-powers-and-duties/section-22-32-146-school-use-of-on-site-peace-officers-as-school-resource-officers

Colorado Revised Statutes 16-2.5-101 – Peace officer – description – general authority.

A peace officer certified by the peace officers standards and training board shall have the authority to carry firearms at all times, concealed or otherwise, subject to the written firearms policy created by the agency employing the peace officer.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-16-criminal-proceedings/code-of-criminal-procedure/article-25-peace-officers/part-1-peace-officers/section-16-25-101-peace-officer-description-general-authority

Colorado Revised Statutes Section 18-12-105.5 – Unlawfully carrying a weapon – unlawful possession of weapons – school, college, or university grounds.

Students, teachers, and other school employees are not allowed to possess or carry weapons or firearms on school property.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-18-criminal-code/article-12-offenses-relating-to-firearms-and-weapons/part-1-firearms-and-weapons-general/section-18-12-1055-unlawfully-carrying-a-weapon-unlawful-possession-of-weapons-school-college-or-university-grounds


Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

 

There is no current policy surrounding social inclusion in the state of Colorado. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center

Social Media

Colorado Revised Statutes 22-2-145 – Media literacy – committee – report – strategic plan – resource bank – definition – rules. 

  • Defines what media literacy means.
  • The media literacy advisory committee in the department of education will create a report containing recommendations and best practices for implementing media literacy into elementary and secondary education.

https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-22-education/general-and-administrative/article-2-department-commissioner/part-1-department-of-education-commissioner/section-22-2-145-media-literacy-committee-report-strategic-plan-resource-bank-definition-rules

There is currently no policy surrounding Leadership in Colorado. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School

There is currently no policy surrounding Professional Relationships in Colorado. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School

Sources include: nasbe.org and childtrends.org