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DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bipartisan bills to boost the math performance of Colorado’s students and train educators in “Stop the Bleed” for emergency, life-saving situations. HB23-1231 passed by a vote of 51 to 12 and HB23-1213 passed by a vote of 57 to 6.
“As a former teacher, I know the importance of out-of-school programming, which is why we’re making a major investment to improve the math skills of all of our students,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, sponsor of HB23-1231. “By using evidence-informed tools, we can meet students where they are while empowering educators and parents in the process. From educator training to creating math-focused learning opportunities after school, this legislation takes a multi-pronged approach to boost our students' math skills.”
HB23-1231, sponsored by Representative Barbara McLachlan and Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, invests $25.6 million to incorporate multiple evidence-informed curriculum and intervention strategies into schools, after-school programs, and educator training to improve students’ math performance. Specifically, this bill makes it easier for students to get the support they need to improve their math skills both in and out of school.
HB23-1231 permits the Colorado Department of Education to make free training available through a train-the-trainer model and technical assistance in math instruction to empower teachers to incorporate evidence-informed math education in the classrooms and identify areas of improvement for students. The bill would enable schools to send notifications to parents and caregivers if their students are underperforming or struggling in math and incorporates a train-the-parent model to increase understanding of math concepts at home.
This bill also creates a new state-based grant program focused on after-school math and STEM improvement. In addition, HB23-1231 takes a compounding approach to improve students' math skills throughout the course of their educational experiences. This includes integrating early numeracy into universal preschool quality standards and establishing a Ninth Grade Success Grant Program to help students tackle math concepts at a critical point in their secondary education.
“The more teachers and staff we can prepare for emergency situations, the more likely we are to save a life,” said School Psychologist Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of HB23-1213. “This legislation makes it easier for schools to get the training and materials needed to stop excessive bleeding. Time is precious in any emergency and this bipartisan legislation ensures teachers, staff and older students have proper “Stop the Bleed” training to respond effectively and efficiently to save lives.”
HB23-1213, sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Mary Bradfield, would require the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to distribute “Stop the Bleed” kits and training materials to K-12 schools that opt into the program. Bleed control kits and training resources contain first-aid materials for treating blood loss in traumatic injuries. This legislation aims to better prepare educators for emergency situations by providing life-saving materials accompanied by training to help keep people alive.
“Stop the Bleed” is a straightforward, standardized set of training materials and recommendations for everyday people caring for someone experiencing excessive bleeding through applying pressure to the wound and tying tourniquets to help those trained act quickly in emergency situations.