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 Testing Madness: A story of unintended consequences At schools across the Douglas County School District, learning has been paused for the past couple weeks as students take the state science and social studies tests, know as the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS). This and other state standardized tests have become so common that they regularly disrupt the learning that they're meant to ensure.
For the state social studies test, 4th graders, 7th graders and 12th graders (this fall) spend on average, three hours testing. Similarly for the state science test, 5th graders, 8th graders and 12th graders (this fall) spend an average of three hours testing.
Just last month, 3rd grade through 10th grade took the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) tests. On average, students at all levels spent six hours on TCAP reading and writing tests, and more than three hours on TCAP math tests. In addition to this direct interruption, learning is often hampered for weeks because resources within the school are tied up, as tests are administered to other students.
Read more
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 In DCSD we exceed Common Core standards
As Colorado continues its implementation of Common Core Standards, some parents are becoming concerned about the impact they may have on the education of their children. Superintendent Dr. Liz Fagen wants DCSD parents to know that the Common Core Standards are not rigorous enough for our kids. Read more |
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DCSD sustainability efforts honored
This month, two Douglas County schools were honored for their sustainability efforts, including efforts to reduce energy consumption and waste.
Heritage receives Green Flag
Heritage Elementary in Highlands Ranch became the third DCSD school to receive the prestigious Green Flag Award. The award, sponsored by Eco-Schools USA, is the highest recognition it gives to schools around the globe.
"It is wonderful to see the impactful work our students can do," said DCSD Sustainability Manager Lee Smit. "Paired with great support and leadership from teacher Sue Antonsen and Principal Alisa Pauley, we are proud to highlight the power of our students."
The official Green Flag ceremony will be later this Spring.
Larkspur Elementary wins Green Ribbon
On Earth Day, the U.S. Department of Education announced that Larkspur Elementary was one of 48 schools across the nation to receive a Green Ribbon Award. Read more about Larkspur's achievement.
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Hear more from DCSD's Sustainability Manager
 Tune into Let's Talk Education on Thursday, April 24 at noon.
http://www.velocityradio.fm/
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DCSD acronyms help parents speak a common language
As the new Parent Liaison for DCSD and as the parent of a DCSD student, I know how difficult it is to understand the many education terms and acronyms. To help address the confusion, I worked with parents and administrators to compile an A-Z list of the most helpful acronyms you may hear or read. Read more from Kathy Brown and view the list
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Great-West Financial® makes $200,000 grant to DCSD
As the nation celebrates Financial Literacy this month, Douglas County School District (DCSD) is celebrating a $200,000 grant from Great-West Financial. "We are very grateful for this very generous contribution," said DCSD Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen. "Our goal is to prepare our students for college, careers, and citizenship in the 21st century, and we know that financial literacy is vital to that preparation and their success." Read more
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Happening now in Douglas County
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SESSION IN CASTLE ROCK TONIGHT!
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Final 'Safeguarding Children' safety forum - livestreaming available
Wednesday's forum will be in the commons at Castle View High School in Castle Rock from 6-8 p.m. Although the forum is primarily intended for parents, children are welcome. The English as a Second Language staff will be providing an interpreter for those that speak Spanish at the event.
For those who are unable to attend, we will be livestreaming the final forum. Follow this link to tune in at 6 p.m.
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DCSD to livestream spring graduations Douglas County School District will once again livestream all of its graduations this year. Spanning a total of seven days and six venues, the live broadcast of all 13 graduations is quite a feat. This is the third year DCSD has offered livestreaming of graduations and the second year that it has covered all of the graduations. In 2013, the Internet broadcasts ensured that thousands of people, some as far away as China, didn't miss the big day. Follow this link for a list of all of the graduations, where they will be held and the link to the livestream. Closed captioning will be provided for each of the events.
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Community events provide family activities and benefit DCSD schools
Follow this link to download the schedule of upcoming community events sponsored by the Douglas County Educational Foundation. |  Colorado Rockies DCSD Appreciation Day Sunday, May 18 www.ROCKIES.com/DCSD Promo Code: DCSD |
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As high school seniors get those college acceptance letters, some Douglas County School District students have a stack of letters from a long list of prestigious universities. 
Former Nuggets point guard Earl Boykins is the new boys basketball coach at Douglas County High School. 
