ABOUT US

Mission
We serve 19 member school districts in the Denver metro region and partner with the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Colorado at Denver. We are a single purpose BOCES providing professional learning and continuous improvement services to improve student achievement in our member districts. We maximize resources, we provide leadership, and we work together to respond to professional learning needs in member districts.

Vision
The BOCES vision is to contribute to higher levels of student achievement in member districts through quality and collaborative professional learning, leadership, research and development, and evaluation.

Vision Points
Learning. We contribute to higher levels of learning and student achievement.  We commit to reducing the achievement gap.
Teaching. Student learning increases as educators increase their effectiveness in teaching and learning.  Teachers and administrators continuously refine skills and practice. They use data to inform instruction.
Collaboration for Results. Educators commit to continuous growth and teams work interdependently toward common goals.
Leadership. We focus on needs and adapt to changing environments and conditions. We look for patterns and commonalities between districts and facilitate action.
Evaluation. We use effective evaluation practices and partner with the UCDHSC Evaluation Center to provide services to members.
Research and Development. We partner with C2D3 and others to secure funding and explore innovative practice in education. 

Values
w BOCES is service-driven, customizing services and programming based on   districts' needs.  We
     are flexible and respond quickly to the changing needs.
w We are active and passionate in articulating, promoting and protecting the vision.  We identify
     professional learning initiatives as a Board and support participation by encouraging and sponsoring
     staff from our districts and the university.
w We model for our members and plan our professional learning experiences using the NSDC
     standards and the CSDC Framework. We aspire to the NSDC purpose: “Ensuring that every
     educator engages in effective professional learning every day so every student achieves.” We work
     toward the NSDC Priorities:
                   w   Affecting the Policy Context
                   w Documenting the Evidence
                   w Narrowing the Achievement Gap
                   w Developing School Leaders
                   w   Engaging Thought Leaders
w We are committed to using a continuous improvement model and for creating tools and processes
     for evaluating the impact of professional learning on student achievement.
w We give our resources and time to contribute to the greater good and assist member districts.  We
     learn together and share practices at board meetings and events. We provide our expertise through
     planning, training and facilitating.
w We collaborate with existing organizations to avoid duplication, fragmentation and competition (i.e.
     CDE, CPC, CTLT, CSDC, CASE, CEA, LLL-Linking for Learning and Leadership, BOCES in
     Colorado, Solution-Tree).
w We seek funding opportunities for members and seek out new projects that will mutually benefit
     FRBOCES members and the UCDHSC School of Education and Human Development.
w We are an entrepreneurial and self-sustaining organization by diversifying funding sources (i.e.
     service contracts, registration fees, grants, membership, on-site and technical assistance).
w We advocate and lead in Colorado.  We are active in state-wide conversations and task force
     work.  We speak with clarity related to the importance of professional learning in our schools and
     districts.
w We are thoughtful and deliberate about building and nurturing educational leaders in Colorado and
     out metro region.

Membership
The FRBOCES is a member of DASSC, CASB, the Colorado BOCES Association and the national affiliate AESA (Association of Educational Service Agencies). Educational service agencies provide schools and other clients with cost-effective, responsive and innovative programs and services. ESAs serve as partners with clients to support their educational missions.

Networks
Provide support for teacher leaders. They are jointly governed by K-12 practitioners and Faculty at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center in priority areas. The networks were created to increase content knowledge, pedagogy and skills, assessment practices, and leadership involvement for teacher leaders. Networks have existed in Math, Science, Elementary Literacy, Secondary Literacy, Instructional Technology, Bilingual Education, ELL, Gifted and Talented, Interventions and Learning Strategies, School Improvement, and Colorado Critical Friends. Presently, ISLN purchases service through the BOCES for web support, marketing, logistical assistance, registration, and communication.

Partnerships
Formed for communication, cooperation and/or collaboration purposes. Collaborating or contracting partners include the University of Colorado Denver Division of Continuing and Professional Education; Metro Regional Professional Development Council, NSF Rocky Mountain Middle School Math and Science Partnership, CTLT (Center for Transforming Learning & Teaching), National Board Certified Teachers, Tointon Institute for Educational Change, CEA, CSDC, PEBC, and Solution Tree.

 

Upcoming Opportunities