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Dont wait, Colorado. Superman isnt coming anytime soon
Colorado Statesman - March 18, 2011
Just as disturbing was the use of lotteries to allow promising kids to enter charter schools or learning situations vastly superior to the "dropout factories" in which they are trapped. |
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Voucher calls swamp Douglas school district after OK
Denver Post - March 18, 2011
By the time exhausted office staffers went home Wednesday evening, they had logged more than 400 calls from parents wanting to get in on the program. |
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Youth council brings fresh ideas to Colorado Legislature
Durango Herald - March 18, 2011
The youth council officially takes a neutral position on House Bill 1270, a bill that is opposed by public school leaders and teachers and supported by charter-school advocates, because it would allow parents to vote to convert a school to a charter without the blessings of the school board. |
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Mayor hopefuls debate schools
Colorado Statesman - March 18, 2011
They all said they would support a mill-levy increase to provide additional funding for schools and they all thought it was a good idea to make city and school district facilities available to charter schools. All agreed it was time for downtown Denver to have its own elementary school. |
House bill allows school districts to raise teachers' PERA rates
Denver Post - March 17, 2011
Teachers could be required to pay a greater share of their retirement costs under a bill that cleared a House committee Wednesday and that one union said was an effort to "Wisconsinize" Colorado's budget. |
Questioning DPS pension savings
EdNews Colorado - March 17, 2011
DPS Superintendent Tom Boasberg is unwavering in citing nearly $34 million that he contends was saved, and he is supported in documents provided by the district's advisers. |
Adams 12 Five Star Schools' $30 million budget gap will cut deep into classrooms
Denver Post - March 17, 2011
But during the 2011-12 school year, nobody - including teachers - will be spared. As many as 94 will be let go this year as part of a stopgap plan to cut $30 million from the district's budget. |
End near for DPS pension turmoil?
EdNews Colorado - March 17, 2011
During a recent discussion with Denver Public Schools board members about tonight's vote on the proposed restructuring of $750 million in debt, a financial adviser cast a complex topic in the simplest of terms. |
Why Do Some Parents Choose Charter Schools for Their Children?
Washington Informer - March 17, 2011
According to the National Center for Education Evaluation (NCEE), there are over 5,000 charter schools serving 1.5 million students, representing three percent of all public schools in 40 states and the District of Columbus. Charter schools are the largest vehicles for school choice to parents in America's public schools according to the Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO). Without an alternative to public education, parents might be restricted to having their children attend a low performing traditional public school in their communities. |
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185 jobs, $30 million to be cut from Adams 12 Five Star School District
9News - March 16, 2011
Class sizes are expected to grow while a number of afterschool activities and clubs are expected to decrease, according to the district. Gdowski says the plan will be updated based on the negotiations between two employee associations with the district and the ultimate decision on the School Finance Act from the Colorado Legislature. |
D-49 ideas for change include 4-day week, more technology
Colorado Springs Gazette - March 16, 2011
In January, a massive reorganization of the district left control of how to deliver education largely in the hands of innovation leaders/assistant superintendents and their school communities. As part of the process, District 49 was divided into four zones, including one for alternative and charter schools. |
Colo. District Votes to Launch Own Voucher Program
Education Week - March 16, 2011
Douglas County school board members voted 7-0 Tuesday to launch Colorado's first district-run voucher pilot, using state per-pupil funding to help up to 500 students attend private schools this fall. |
Douglas County school board unanimously OKs voucher plan to help pay for private-school tuition
Denver Post - March 16, 2011
The pilot program, which will be reviewed each year, would make up to 500 students eligible to receive $4,575 to attend a private school in the 2011-12 school year. |
Regional students to compete at statewide History Day in Denver
Pueblo Chieftain - March 16, 2011
Dakotah Gallardo of Cesar Chavez Academy received the Chicano Studies award for his project on the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. |
Que Pasa?
La Voz - March 16, 2011
The DSST Public Schools (Denver School of Science and Technology) presents a networking event at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22 at Jonesy's EatBar. Are you interested in either teaching or school administration opportunities for the coming school year? Meet teachers and leaders from Denver's top charter network. For details call 303-524-6349 or email Meg.Lafave@scienceandtech.org. |
Charter school bill heads to Hickenlooper
Fox 31 News - March 15, 2011
House Bill 1089, sponsored by Rep. Kathleen Conti, R-Littleton, widens the pool of federal grants that will be open to charters, which first became eligible for federal grants due to a law passed last year. |
Concurrent enrollment smooths high schoolers' path to college
Denver Post - March 15, 2011
"College classes are a little bit harder, but the atmosphere is what is so different," said Jorge Carmona, a student at Southwest Early College in Denver who has been taking college classes since 10th grade. "It helps me get a feel for the atmosphere, and it makes it easier to learn to write a college paper, which is different than a high school essay." |
Mayoral forum a polite affair
EdNews Colorado - March 15, 2011
Six mayoral candidates discussed education issues Tuesday evening in a polite 90-minute session that touched on mayoral control and Colorado's landmark teacher effectiveness law. |
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Hick, Bennet join NCLB reform push
EdNews Colorado - March 15, 2011
Gov. John Hickenlooper and U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet Tuesday enlisted in the Obama administration's campaign to reform the No Child Left Behind law, telling Colorado reporters that change in the law can't wait. |
"Trigger" bill dies, while concussion safety bill clears House
Fox 31 News - March 14, 2011
A proposal that would have let parents "pull the trigger" on school reform is dead, after Republicans joined Democrats to kill it. |
Jeffco schools' proposal of budget cuts rises to $40 million
Denver Post - March 12, 2011
Jefferson County Public Schools has proposed nearly $40 million in budget cuts for 2011-12 that would ax jobs, trim workers' pay, close two elementary schools and suspend outdoor education for sixth-graders.
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State board upholds YAFA appeal
Pueblo Chieftain - March 10, 2011
The Colorado State Board of Education voted Wednesday to not uphold an earlier decision of the Pueblo City Schools Board of Education to not renew the charter for the Youth and Family Academy. |
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DPS touts decline in dropout rate
EdNews Colorado - March 10, 2011
Denver Public Schools chose an intimate setting Tuesday to trumpet its success in reducing the district's grade 7-through-12 dropout rate, which declined in 2009-2010 to 6.4 percent. |
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Opinion & Commentary Articles |
| Please Note: The following is a sampling of opinion articles about charter schools that appeared in the media over the past week. The opinions in these articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Colorado League of Charter Schools. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | |
Amazing Awaits Vanguard Athletes after Visit from Olympian Cindy Stinger
The Vanguard School - March 18, 2011
The Vanguard School varsity and junior varsity athletes and their families received a surprise visit from three-time Olympian, Cindy Stinger, at their Sports Awards Ceremony on March 16, 2011. In a lively and humble manner, Stinger exhorted Vanguard athletes to always try to be the best at their sport while having gratitude for those who support them. "Don't ever forget those people who are helping you achieve your goals-your parents and teachers." |
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What budget cuts could mean for charter schools
Examiner.com - March 17, 2011
I spent some time at both the Colorado and California charter schools conferences over the past few weeks talking with school leaders and other education advocates about what budget cuts mean. |
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Twenty Years Later, Colorado Builds on Milwaukee Choice Success
MacIver Institute - March 17, 2011
As the debate over school choice in America continues, a pair of school districts thousands of miles away may be able to draw inspiration from each other. Wisconsin's current budget calls for an expansion of the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, but the state isn't the only entity to turn to school choice in 2011. Most notably, a pilot program has popped up in Douglas County, Colorado that would introduce private school vouchers to the district's public schools. |
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A close watch on DPS elections
EdNews Colorado - March 16, 2011
No matter where you stand on public education issues, there is little doubt that this fall's school board elections in Denver represent a watershed moment. The current board is split 4-3 on whether the current direction of reforms should continue, and whether Superintendent Tom Boasberg should keep his job. |
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DRESS OF CHOICE FOR LEUKEMIA ANYTHING BUT UNIFORM AT AMERICAN ACADEMY
American Academy - March 15, 2011
Though wearing a uniform is part of the daily regimen for students at American Academy, the last Friday of every month is a Dress of Choice Day so both students (and staff!) can dress down a little and take a break. But occasionally the Head of School, Erin Kane, approves another Dress of Choice Day for a good cause. |
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Charter School Week coming in April
Examiner.com - March 15, 2011
Each year the Colorado League of Charter Schools sponsors a charter school week at the state capitol. Parents and other charter school supporters can tour the capitol building and meet legislators. |
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AMERICAN ACADEMY IN CASTLE ROCK TAKES TOP HONORS AT THE DENVER METRO REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR
American Academy - March 15, 2011
American Academy 7th and 8th grade students took top honors at The Denver Metro Regional Science Fair which was held on February 23 at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The Awards Night was held on February 24, 2011, in the IMAX Theater. Eighth-grader Kelcey Beckman received Best in Show for her project entitled Visual Abnormalities and the Comparison of Paper-Based and Computer-Based Testing Using Color as the Variable. Kelcey competed against over 500 projects from all over Denver. |
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Fitch Affirms Poudre School Dist R-1, CO's ULTGOs at 'AA+'; Outlook Stable
IStock Analyst - March 15, 2011
As one of the state's largest school districts, by geographical size, the district currently serves approximately 26,000 students. Due to strong academic performance, the district is home to a limited number of charter schools. |
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CDE Analysis Shows Achievement Data Will Reliably Predict ACT Scores
Colorado Department of Education - March 10, 2011
A student's performance on ninth- and 10th-grade CSAP serves as a strong predictor of future results on the Colorado ACT, according to a study released today by the Office of Research and Evaluation at the Colorado Department of Education. Such prediction can now show a student as early as ninth-grade how low, moderate or strong growth will affect an actual ACT score years later. |
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State Board Approves Kit Carson School District Request For Innovation Status; Decides Two Charter School Appeals
Colorado Department of Education - March 10, 2011
On a 6-1 vote, the state board overturned a decision by Pueblo City Schools to non-renew the charter of the Youth and Family Academy (YAFA). Board member Elaine Gantz Berman cast the lone vote of dissent. |
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Rockin' at Red Rocks
Hosted by Free Horizon Montessori Foundation
Date: Saturday, March 19
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: Ship Rock Grille, Red Rocks Visitor Center, Morrison
Cost: $40 per person
Description: An evening of adults-only fun including: silent and live auctions, raffle, Red Rocks Museum access, southwestern heavy appetizers, cash bar, connecting with members of the Free Horizon Montessori and greater community. Purchase tickets online at www.communitysupportnetwork.org or call 303-325-1216. |
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Mountain Middle School Informational Sessions
Hosted by Mountain Middle School
Date: Thursday, March 24
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: TBD
Description: Mountain Middle School Informational Sessions
Academic Excellence through Project-Based Learning
Visit http://www.mountainmiddleschool.org/Home/upcoming-events for locations. |
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6th Annual Pre-Collegiate Conference
Hosted by the College in Colorado
Date: Friday, March 25
Time: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: Tivoli Student Union, Denver's Auraria Campus, 900 Auraria Parkway, Denver, CO 80204
Cost: $65 (members of Colorado School Counselor Association) / $80 non-members
Description: The Colorado Statewide Pre-Collegiate Conference is an annual event designed to bring together guidance counselors, college access programs and advocates for meaningful dialogue that highlights best practices, formulates plans for collaboration, explores essential reform and identifies areas of potential synergy to support post-secondary aspirations of all Colorado students. Click here to register. |
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Expanding Horizons - 2nd Annual Liberty Auction at the Ranch
Hosted by Liberty Common School
Date: Saturday, April 2
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Description: Music, Western Dinner Buffet and Dessert Auction. Cash Bar Available. For more information email libertyevent@libertycommon.org. |
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Are You Smarter than a KIPP-ster?
Hosted by KIPP Sunshine Peak Academy
Date: Wednesday, April 6
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Denver Museum of Nature and Science , 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO
Cost: $75 general admission $50 Young professionals (under 35)
Description: RSVP at www.blacktie-colorado.com/rsvp (code: kippster)
To learn more about forming a corporate team or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Mandy Hughes at 303-513-1144 or mhughes@kippcolorado.org. |
North Area Regional Lunch Meeting
Hosted by the Colorado Department of Education
Date: Thursday, April 7
Time: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Tavola to Go, 801 9th Street, Greeley, CO 80631
Click here to register by Tuesday, April 5, 2011. After submitting the registration, a confirmation screen will appear. |
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Gala Event at Red Rocks Park to Benefit the Compass Montessori Education Foundation
Hosted by Compass Montessori Education Foundation
Date: Saturday, April 9th
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: Ship Rock Grille, Red Rocks Visitor Center, Morrison, CO
Description: Live and Silent Auction, Performances from Denver Blues Greats Jack Hadley and Neil Haverstick as well as Shamwari, a youth marimba band from Boulder. Tickets $45 - $65 sliding scale. Food and complimentary drink with ticket price. Cash Bar. Representative Max Tyler will be present to speak about the state of Education Funding in Colorado.
Come on out and support public arts and literature education!
Info? Gretchen Roberts, Compass Director of Development, groberts@compassk12.org or www.compassmontessori.org. |
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Academic and Instructional Support - Webinars
Hosted by the Colorado Department of Education
Date: Wednesday, April 13
Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Description: These presentations will provide opportunities for Colorado educators to stay informed on the latest implementation efforts and provide input to the Colorado Department of Education. This webinars topic will be Introduction to the redesign module of support for districts. To enter the webinars please click here. |
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2011 Colorado Charter Schools Rally
Hosted by the Colorado League of Charter Schools
Date: Thursday, April 28
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: West Steps, Colorado State Capitol, Denver
Description: The Colorado Charter Schools Rally is a great chance for the charter school community to come together to voice support for equitable funding and treatment for Colorado charter school students -- and to educate elected officials about why "Charter Schools Rock!" Click here for more information and to register for tours of the State Capitol. |
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