State Accountability

Tentative 2026 Accountability Timeline

• April 15: Rollover to the 2026-27 Unified Improvement Plan template
• June 29: WIDA ACCESS growth release
• August 12: CMAS & P/SAT growth data release to districts
• August 19: Public release of Growth data
• August 26: Release of Preliminary Performance Frameworks to districts
• August 31: Public release of Preliminary Performance Frameworks
• Mid-September: Notification to districts for state and ESSA identifications; Data updated in UIPs including assurances
• September 14: AEC Frameworks released to districts
• September 16: Public release of AEC Frameworks
• September 25: Accreditation Form submission deadline
• October 15: Submission deadline: 1) Unified Improvement Plans unless flexibilities apply; 2) Request to Reconsider materials due in the Accreditation Portal
• January 15: Optional UIP submission for eligible sites (e.g., new identification and Request to Reconsider)

Latest Accountability Communications:

• (8/5/2026) Accountability Update (PDF)
  • Academic Growth and Performance Framework Preliminary Release, Unified Improvement Planning, Accountability and Improvement Training Offerings and Resources, IdM Updates and District Accountability Contacts Designation, Accreditation Form (Required Completion for all Districts), Accountability for Alternative Education Campuses, TLCC - Release of Enhanced Survey Reports
• (5/28/26) Accountability Update (PDF)
  • May Board Rules Update, Accountability Work Group - Taking Applications!, Dashboard Study, Updates and 2026-27 Continuous Improvement Training Calendar
• (5/8/26) Accountability Update (PDF)
  • H.A. 25-1278 Implementation Updates, WIDA ACCESS Updates, Technical Advisory Panel Membership Opportunity, Upcoming Webinars, Assessment Data Access Updated, AEC Actual Measures Collection Window Opens May 13
• (4/2/26) Accountability Update (PDF)
  • TLCC Survey Data Availability, Tentative 2026 Accountability Timeline, 1278 Implementation Updates, Upcoming SBD and Assessment Data Availability and Review, UIP Template - Rollover to 2026, Assigning District Accountability Contacts
• (12/10/25 Accountability Update (DOCX)
  • 2025 Performance Frameworks Finalized!, Accreditation Contracts due December 31, 2025, UIP Feedback Released, Teaching and Learning Conditions in Colorado (TLCC) Survey Launches Jan 21, 2026.
• (11/18/2025 Accountability Update (PDF)
  • Finalizing School and District Ratings, Accreditation Contracts, UIP Feedback, PSAT/SAT Performance Frameworks Targets Set for 2026, WIDA ACCESS 2026 Score Reporting and Colorado Growth Information, Teaching and Learning Conditions Colorado (TLCC, Release of School-Level Learning Environment District Profile Reports this Fall, Release of 2024-25 Graduation/Completion, Dropout, and Mobility Data
• (10/10/2025) Accountability Update (PDF)
  • Final Performance Frameworks, Accreditation, Request to Reconsider, UIP Submission, Feedback on 2026 Framework Targets, AEC New Optional Measures, Matriculation Flat File, AEC Report 
• (9/9/2025) Accountability Update (PDF)
  • AEC SPF Release, Accreditation Form< Accountability and Identification Support, Upcoming Training Opportunities for AECs
• (9/3/2025) Accountability Update (PDF)
  • Preliminary Framework Release, Accreditation Form, Official Ratings, AEC Frameworks, Accountability and Identification Support
  • Preliminary Release Memo - Performance Framework Release Overview (PDF)
• (8/27/2025) Accountability Update (PDF)
  • Preliminary Framework Embargo, Accreditation Form, Improvement Planning, Parent Notification, TLCC, Updated Accountability Timelines
• (8/6/2025) Accountability Update (PDF)
  • Accountability Contacts, AWG Recruitment, Data Release Schedule, resources and Support, Full 2025 Accountability Timeline
• (5/15/2025) Accountability Update (PDF)
  • Updates on Accountability related bills, contact updates, district profile reports, AECs, trainings and supports
• (4/24/2025) Accountability Update (PDF)
  • Changes for 2025, Tentative Accountability Timeline, SBD Collection, UIP Rollover, UIP Categories Dashboard
• (3/27/2025) Accountability Update (PDF)
  • HB 25-1278 Update, UIP Updates, AEC Application/Renewal Collection
• (2/3/2025) Accountability Update (PDF)
  • Frameworks and State Accountability, Accreditation Contracts, CDIP Updates, UIP Template Rollover, On Track Growth
• (12/11/2024) Accountability Update (PDF)
  • Finalized Frameworks, Accreditation Contracts, UIP Feedback
• (11/19/2024) Accountability Update (PDF)
  • SBE Approval of 2025 Targets, 1241 Updates, Accreditation, UIP Reviews
• (10/11/2024) Accountability Update (PDF)
  • Request to Reconsider - Actions needed, UIP Reviews, District Accreditation Contracts, 2025 Performance Framework Targets, 1241 Task Force
• (08/08/2024) Accountability Update (PDF)
  • Achievement and Growth Data Release Dates, ACCESS ISR PDF Label Error, Resources
• (7/23/2024) Accountability Update (PDF) and PSAT/SAT SBE Memo (PDF)
  • PSAT/SAT Update Memo, Contacts, Resources and Training Opportunities
• (6/28/2024) Accountability Update (PDF)
  • PSAT/SAT Update, TLCC Update, Upcoming Resources and Training Opportunities
• (6/12/2024) Accountability Update (PDF)
  • PSAT/SAT Accountability Study, Upcoming Data Release, Assigning District Accountability Contacts, Update to State Accountability Timeline, Updated Resources

District Accountability Contacts

Accountability Contacts for the district will now be assigned using the IdM system. LAMs will assign the Accountability Contact role to the superintendent or the superintendent’s designees who will be responsible for

• Submitting the Accreditation Form,
• Receiving performance framework results and related data, including student Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
• Receiving accountability related communications

If you are interested in signing up to receive communications only, or would like to designate yourself as a contact for Improvement Planning work, fill out the Accountability and Improvement Contact Request Form.

For more information on the user set-up visit the online system set-up and management guide.

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Colorado's Education Accountability System

Colorado’s education accountability system is based on the belief that every student should receive an excellent education and graduate ready to succeed. Successful schools and districts are recognized and serve as models, while those that are struggling receive support.

To support this goal, the Accountability and Continuous Improvement (ACI) Unit at CDE:

• Calculates Growth on CMAS, PSAT and English language proficiency
• Creates the School and District Performance Frameworks
• Accredits school districts and assigns school plan type assignments
• Reports student outcome data to the public and educators
• Assists districts and CDE staff in using student performance data to drive decision making

Overview

The Education Accountability Act of 2009 authorizes the Colorado Department of Education to conduct an annual review of the performance of public schools and districts in the state and to make recommendations to the State Board of Education concerning the type of school improvement plan to be implemented in each school and the accreditation category for each district.

State Accountability Overview Fact Sheet (PDF)

Accountability and Continuous Improvement Theory of Action

Resources

Accountability resources are available here.

Contact Us

For more information, please contact accountability@cde.state.co.us.