Analysis of the Impact of Colorado’s Achievement Plan for Kids (CAP4K)
Prepared for the Colorado Department of Education in 2014
This report is designed to estimate the impact of Colorado’s Achievement Plan for Kids (SB 212 of 2008, commonly referred to as CAP4K). CAP4K is designed to “align the public education system from preschool through postsecondary and workforce readiness” [22-7-1002 (4)(a)] and to create a “seamless system of standards, expectations, and assessments from preschool through postsecondary and workforce readiness” [22-7-1002 (4)(c)]. CAP4K encompasses three key areas: school readiness, content standards and assessment, and postsecondary and workforce readiness (PWR).
In October of 2009, APA was awarded a multi-year study of the impact of CAP4K, examining the separate impact estimates for:
Colorado Department of Education;
Colorado Department of Higher Education;
school districts in the aggregate (including Boards of Cooperative Education Services and the Charter School Institute); and
27 postsecondary institutions in the aggregate (including 12 four-year public institutions and fifteen two-year public institutions, which includes the community college system).
The final phase of the CAP4K study looked at how Colorado is preparing students for life after high school through Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR). The study found that the state has made progress defining what it means to be “ready,” including strong academics, career skills, and habits like problem-solving and teamwork, and has put in place new graduation guidelines, diploma options, and updated higher education policies.
Districts and colleges are responding by expanding opportunities like concurrent enrollment, career and technical education, and individual career and academic plans (ICAPs). Many see these efforts as positive for helping students plan their futures and avoid remediation in college.
At the same time, schools face challenges. Limited resources, reform fatigue, and concerns about equity, particularly for students with disabilities or those more workforce-bound, make implementation difficult. Educators also noted the need for clearer guidance, sustainable funding, and better communication with families about expectations.
Promising practices highlighted in the report include strengthening counseling support, creating advisory courses to teach 21st-century skills, and building stronger partnerships between districts and higher education institutions. The report concludes that while CAP4K has laid a strong foundation, continued state support and investment are critical to ensure every student can graduate ready for college, career, or both.