Dear Summit School District Community,

As we enjoy a snowy day off following our student conferences, we want to take a moment to celebrate the powerful learning experiences happening across our schools. From student-led conferences that empower young learners to take ownership of their education to our district’s commitment to multilingual learning, these initiatives reflect our dedication to student growth and success.

This edition of View of the Summit highlights how students are actively engaging in their learning and how we support our diverse community of multilingual learners. We’re also sharing key details about how these important programs are funded.

Thank you for your continued partnership in creating an inclusive, student-centered learning environment!

Empowering Students Through Student-Led Conferences
This past week, elementary schools across Summit School District hosted student-led conferences—a powerful approach that shifts the focus from teachers to students. Unlike traditional parent-teacher conferences, these meetings put students in charge of sharing their learning journey.

During these conferences, students:

  Reflect on their growth and set meaningful goals
  Take ownership of their learning
  Provide families with a firsthand view of their progress
  Strengthen communication, organization, and self-reflection skills
  Gain motivation and engagement as they showcase their achievements

With the support of teachers, students guide their families through work samples, shared accomplishments, and discussed next steps. Research shows that when students understand where they are, where they need to go, and how to get there, they become more engaged and motivated in their learning.

By leading these conversations, students develop critical life skills, such as self-advocacy, goal setting, and reflection—all essential for their academic and personal success.

Supporting Our Multilingual Learners
Summit School District is proud to serve 962 multilingual learners (MLs), reflecting the rich diversity of our community. We believe that multilingualism is a strength and are committed to providing students with the support they need to thrive.

Our district implements research-based approaches to ensure that multilingual learners build English proficiency while maintaining access to rigorous academic content:

• Dedicated English Language Development (ELD) Time – Structured instruction in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, designed to accelerate language acquisition.
• Co-Teaching Models – ELD specialists collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate language learning into all subjects, ensuring seamless support.
• Training for All Teachers – Professional development equips educators with strategies to support both content mastery and language development, creating an inclusive learning environment.

Multilingualism as a Strength
Our district also participates in Colorado’s Seal of Biliteracy program, which recognizes students who achieve proficiency in two or more languages by graduation. This distinction highlights the value of bilingualism and its real-world benefits, including enhanced career opportunities and cultural competency.

Students who earn the Seal of Biliteracy demonstrate strong communication skills in multiple languages—a valuable asset in an increasingly global society.

Special Programs and How They Are Funded
As we continue to spotlight student support programs, this week we are focusing on how our district supports Multilingual Learners (MLs), also referred to as English Language Learners (ELLs) at the state and national levels.

Our English Language Development (ELD) program is designed to provide equitable access to learning through several evidence-based approaches:

 Dedicated ELD Time – Students receive targeted instruction to develop academic language skills.

 Co-Teaching Models – ELD specialists partner with content teachers to embed language support into core subjects.
 Professional Learning for All Teachers – Training equips educators with the tools to make content accessible while building language skills.

We take pride in fostering an asset-based approach to multilingualism, ensuring that students’ home languages are honored and celebrated. 

Funding Our English Language Learner Program
Providing strong multilingual support requires significant investment. For the 2024-25 school year, Summit School District will dedicate $2.7 million to English Language Learner (ELL) services. State and federal funding covers  32.5% of the total program cost.

Funding Our English Language Learner Program

Providing strong multilingual support requires significant investment. For the 2024-25 school year, Summit School District will dedicate $2.7 million to English Language Learner (ELL) services. However, state and federal funding covers only 32.5% of the total program cost.

Funding Breakdown (FY 2024-25)

💰 State Funding
📌 $313,275 – English Language Proficiency Act
📌 $551,148 – ELL Factor (Total Program Funding)

💰 Federal Funding
📌 $84,626 – Title III, Part A
📌 $6,626 – Title III, Immigrant

Investing in Educators

98.2% of ELL program funds go toward salaries and benefits for our 25.98 full-time equivalent (FTE) educators, which include:

👩‍🏫 18.20 Licensed Teachers – Providing direct language instruction and academic support.
📊 2.00 Coordinators – Managing program implementation and compliance.
👨‍🏫 5.78 Support Staff – Assisting in instruction and student engagement.

While external funding provides partial support, Summit School District remains fully committed to ensuring that all students—regardless of language background—receive high-quality instruction.

State Funding Resources

For more details on state ELL funding, refer to the School Finance in Colorado research publication by the Colorado Legislative Council Staff.

State Funding Resources
For more details on state ELL funding, refer to the School Finance in Colorado research publication by the Colorado Legislative Council Staff.

Looking Ahead
We are incredibly proud of our students’ growth and achievements, as well as the programs that support their success. As we continue to prioritize student voice, engagement, and multilingual learning, we appreciate your ongoing partnership.

Future Goals for Multilingual Learning

• Expanding Dual Language Programs – Increasing opportunities for bilingual education.
• Enhancing Teacher Training – Strengthening culturally responsive teaching strategies.
• Refining Assessment Strategies – Improving how we track language proficiency and academic progress.

By continuing to invest in multilingual education, we are creating inclusive, world-class learning opportunities where every student can thrive.

With Gratitude,

Tony Byrd, Ed.D.
 Summit School District Superintendent

Laura Cotsapas
 Chief Transformation & Academic Officer

Kara Drake
 Chief Financial Officer