Communities of Practice

What is a Community of Practice?

A community of practice is a group of district and BOCES leaders who have similar roles or interest in the same topic. As content experts the participants share resources such as forms, templates, toolkits and more. During the 4-6 sessions per year they engage deeply in a problem of practice protocol designed for each person to give and receive feedback on their own projects, situations, or processes. This collaborative environment spotlights its own education leaders as experts. Sessions are facilitated by DISO team members.

How Does a Community of Practice Work?

Communities of practice focus on creating a confidential environment to support the group of educational leaders who have similar responsibilities. The education field has challenges that require dynamic collaborative thinking around complex issues so these communities come together to support each other.

Session formats are mostly virtual with some in-person meetings. Community of practice participants can expect to do most of the talking during the sessions with ample time to contextualize, ask questions, listen to others, and share/gain resources.

Why Join?

Each session includes time for each person to ask and answer questions, gain ready to use resources, and hear advice from other experts doing similar work in districts across Colorado.

Who Should Join?

District and BOCES leaders across the state of Colorado who are the content experts and with a desire to engage in collaborative problem-solving.

Example: In our 504 Community of Practice: Directors of Student Success, 504 Coordinators, and 504 Liaisons all work together to enhance the 504 practices within their districts. They share Professional Learning for staff, data gathering techniques, and guiding documents for everyone to benefit.

How to Apply

Applications for Communities of Practice are reviewed on a rolling basis. The application process is simple and ensures the Community of Practice is the correct content to fit the needs of participants.

2024-2025 Communities of Practice

Section 504 Community of Practice

Wish you could see how other districts support their staff with professional learning? Want to talk with other Section 504 Superusers living this work every day? Need to ask questions and hear ideas for systems, changes, or sticky situations? Then you want to join this dynamic community filled with Section 504 experts who care about staff, students, and families. The Colorado Department of Education facilitates this community to explore emerging issues in your area of expertise with the best and brightest who understand the demands of this work. Together, we will share resources, grapple with various topics, discuss systems, and collaborate on professional learning for staff to improve our district programs and provide the best experiences for staff and students.

Community of Practice Section 504 Facilitator:

Victory Molina - District Improvement Strategy Office

Apply Here for the 504 Community of Practice

Session Information:

Session 1 - 9/6/24 | 8:00-10:30 | Virtual via Zoom Link
Session 2 - 12/6/24 | 8:00-10:30 | Virtual via Zoom Link
Session 3 - 2/7/25 | 8:00-10:30 | Virtual via Zoom Link
Session 4 - 6/6/25 | 8:00-10:30 | In-Person Location TBD

Rural Principals Community of Practice

Are you a rural Principal looking to connect with other school leaders? Come join this community of rural Principals from across the state. The Colorado Department of Education facilitates this community to explore emerging issues in your area of expertise with the best and brightest who understand the demands of this work. Together, we will share resources, grapple with various topics, discuss systems, and collaborate on professional learning for staff to improve your school programs and provide the best experiences for staff and students.

Rural Principals Community of Practice Interest Form