Colorado Education Association urges amendments to House Bill 1278 for better accountability

Retention of educators took center stage during the Colorado House Education Committee meeting on March 13, 2025, as stakeholders rallied around House Bill 1278. The bill aims to revamp Colorado's accountability system, focusing on community-led approaches rather than punitive measures that have historically driven teachers away from the profession.

Liz Waddick, vice president of the Colorado Education Association, emphasized the need for a shift in how accountability is measured, particularly criticizing the current reliance on standardized testing. "Most teachers want to talk about testing," Waddick stated, highlighting that the existing system feels more like a compliance exercise than a supportive framework for educators and students. She called for a more holistic approach that respects the unique needs of students and allows educators the autonomy to meet those needs creatively.

Cara Smallwood, a speech language pathologist, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the emphasis on standardized testing is counterproductive, especially for students with special needs. "Doubling down on standardized testing does not improve students' experience in school nor their preparedness for the future," she warned, urging legislators to consider the broader implications of their policies.

Jason Malmberg, a music teacher and president of the Adams 14 Classroom Teachers Association, shared his district's struggles under the current accountability system, which he described as punitive and demoralizing. He urged the committee to support HB 1278 and its amendments, which aim to foster an environment conducive to education by investing in educators and communities.

The committee's discussions reflect a growing consensus among educators that the current accountability measures are failing to support both teachers and students. As the meeting concluded, the call for amendments to House Bill 1278 underscored a collective desire for meaningful change in Colorado's educational landscape, prioritizing retention and community engagement over standardized testing and punitive actions.