CO HB1446

Appropriates $3,000,000 from the State Education Fund for the 2024-25 budget year to establish a free, optional professional development program for science teachers aligned with Colorado Academic Standards for Science.

Requires the Department of Education to contract with a Colorado institution of higher education to offer regional professional development programs (both in-person and virtual) available by the 2025-26 school year for licensed teachers and educators at local education providers and Indian tribes.

Professional development program must include evidence-informed interventions and strategies for students below grade level, struggling students, children with disabilities, gifted students, and English language learners, and must offer ongoing professional development credit toward teacher licensure renewal.

Prioritizes program participation for eligible teachers employed in rural and small rural school districts if demand exceeds program capacity.

Requires the Department to report to the legislature and State Board by January 30, 2027, on the number of eligible teachers disaggregated by license type and local education provider who participated in the program; any unexpended funds may be carried forward to the 2026-27 budget year.