This study was undertaken to develop recommendations for educator licensing in Colorado that will move the state toward its vision of an effective teacher in every classroom and an effective leader in every school, ensuring an excellent education for the children of Colorado.

The current system of licensure relies primarily on program completion and qualifications that are not meaningfully connected to student learning. We recommend a redesign of educator licensing policy that will focus on the demonstrated knowledge, skills and performance of educators and allow for greater autonomy and innovation at the local and program level. Our recommendations would align licensure with other components of the state's strategy focused...