HB 24-1446

House Bill 24-1446, titled "Professional Development for Science Teachers," requires the Colorado Department of Education to create a free professional development program for science teachers. This program will help teachers improve their teaching methods based on research and state standards, especially focusing on supporting students who are struggling or have special needs. The bill also provides incentives like continuing education credits and prioritizes rural and small school districts. It was signed into law by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2024, with $3 million allocated from the state education fund for its implementation in the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Official Summary

The act requires the department of education to develop and offer a free, optional professional development program (program) to enhance pedagogy around research-based Colorado academic standards in science. The program must include opportunities for in-person and virtual instruction on interventions for students who are below grade level or struggling in science, children with disabilities, gifted students, and students who are English language learners. The program must create incentives for teacher participation by offering ongoing professional development credit toward licensure renewal. The program prioritizes professional development for eligible science teachers employed at local education providers in rural school districts and small rural school districts. For the 2024-25 state fiscal year, the act appropriates $3 million to the department of education from the state education fund for science teacher professional development. APPROVED by Governor May 23, 2024 EFFECTIVE August 7, 2024(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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