Reflections on the ‘1215 Task Force’ Final Report from The Attainment Network, CareerWise, Colorado Education Initiative, & Colorado Succeeds
On December 1, the Secondary, Postsecondary and Work-Based Learning Integration Task Force (also known as the ‘1215 Task Force’) published its final report, outlining critical issues our state must address to ensure all Colorado learners are set on a path to postsecondary success and economic mobility.
In 2022, our organizations partnered with the Colorado legislature to create this Task Force through HB22-1215. The task force’s charge was to make recommendations for simplifying and expanding access to Colorado’s complex ecosystem of programs designed to help students access career-connected learning, college coursework, and industry credentials in high school.
Their recommendations include a focus on program modernization, with a specific focus on improving data and accountability systems; access, awareness, and value; sustainable funding; and partnerships.
We believe that the implementation of these recommendations will support Colorado learners in having access to high-quality programs, allowing them to graduate high school with at least one of an in-demand industry credential, college credit, and/or a work-based learning experience.
Critical to the recommendations is the streamlining and simplification of the many programs available so that students, families, and districts can better navigate the variety of opportunities that Colorado offers its learners.
We thank the task force members and the Department of Education for their important work over the last 18 months in support of Colorado’s students. Representatives from all four of our organizations participated in the task force representing students and families, education advocacy groups, and business.