Phase I of the Colorado River Water Availability Study (the Study or CRWAS) provides an unprecedented foundation for water resources planning in Colorado. The Study, which began in 2008, combines the data and models developed by the CWCB and the Division of Water Resources over the last 15 years with new information on past droughts and wet spells and possible future changes in climatic conditions to produce the most comprehensive look to date at the Colorado River water supply in our State. Phase I of the Study provides a strong foundation for subsequent work, which will examine water availability for future water supply projects and for additional non-consumptive water needs. The Study is guided by extensive public involvement and provides a transparent examination of complex water management issues and the data, science, and computer tools applied to assess these issues. With the publication of this report and the launch of the CRWAS on-line data viewer, Colorado's water community can now fully utilize this Phase I assessment of water availability for our current supply systems and levels of water demands. State agencies and Colorado River stakeholders can now prepare for further assessments of water management strategies to meet future demands and investigate the risks associated with each of them.
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) sought to better understand blended learning in rural areas of Colorado, why fewer opportunities exist in rural areas than in urban and suburban areas, and what changes could help create opportunities for all Colorado students. Research methods included a literature review, survey of rural districts, and phone interviews with a subset of survey respondents. Eighty-four percent of survey respondents reported having students taking part in online or blended learning, but in most cases the total number of students engaged in such activities is small.
