The Colorado Partnership for Educational Renewal is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to promote excellent education for all public school students through collaboration among the schools, higher education and the community. Through the continuous and collaborative improvement of public schools, higher education and teacher preparation programs, CoPER and its partners work to build a “P-16+” system that prepares all young people for post-secondary success.

CoPER’s work is grounded in four fundamental principles of public education:

1. All children must have access to quality education;
2. All students must learn about our democracy and be prepared to become active members of their communities;
3. All students must be supported by their teachers, schools and communities to achieve post-secondary success; and
4. All communities and schools must accept responsibility for educating the young.

CoPER has brought together educators from public school districts and higher education institutions for the past twenty years, encouraging a collaborative approach to transforming teaching and learning in our education system. Building on the four principles above, CoPER has created the structures and support necessary for programs such as professional development schools where prospective teachers are prepared for the challenges of today’s schools; and induction programs for novice teachers to enhance their teaching skills. More recently, CoPER has convened local community members together with educators to expand the network of those active in transforming local schools, and has worked with local school boards to reexamine the role of schools and others in preparing young people to become responsible members of the community.