The annual review of the activities of the Colorado Commission for Achievement in Education found that the primary focus of the Commission's activities during 1996 was a study of graduate education, and to this end a task force on graduate research and education was created to study issues related to current basic and applied research at graduate institutions in the state; the task force's final recommendations are due in June 1997. The Commission also recommended support for a bill that would allow certain tax deductions under an approved prepaid tuition plan. Other actions included: a recommendation to implement a statewide assessment program of standards-based education; a recommendation of a task force on special education personnel for changes in licensure requirements for occupational and physical therapists and school nurses; and recommendations of another task force for increased community involvement in education through formation of local partnerships, increased emphasis on early childhood and adult education, and the use of technology to link communities, maximize resources, and improve access. Appended to the report is a list of committee hearing dates, a list of additional materials available, and a copy of the proposed tax bill. (CH)