These posts are the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of A+ Colorado.


March Newsletter: Keeping you informed about A+ Denver

Mark your calendars!

A+ will be issuing a report on the state of high schools in Denver and AuroraPublic Schools in early April.

Following the release of the report we will be hosting an Urban High School Summit on April 24th with leaders from DPS and APS to talk about the findings from the report. We will be joined by a number of national experts including:

  • Larry Rosenstock, Founder of High Tech High, San Diego
  • Jaime Casap, Google Global Education Evangelist
  • Tom Vander Ark,  CEO of Open Education Solutions, Former Education Director for Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Save the date and watch for the invitation in the coming days.

A+ Denver Updates

School visit: West High School

We were lucky enough to get a quick peek at the four — yes, four — schools that are currently operating at West High School. Although they share a building, there are some notable difference between each school. We were encouraged to see the incredible determination and guidance of school leader, Teresa Sena-Klava with West Leadership Academy. The students seemed genuinely engaged and excited to be at the school.

We were also impressed with the work that the multiple pathways program within West High School was doing to recapture students.  Data and expectations were clear and the space was welcoming.

News

Waiting for the White Smoke

The DPS board was unable to collectively come to a decision about who will fill Nate’s vacant seat and now board president Mary Seawell will make the final choice.

Arts

The SCFD Alliance Project is accepting applications from teachers for a grant to help create curriculum applications and learning opportunities for students. Applications are due April 18, 2013 by 8pm. Application and more info:www.sccollaborative.org.

TBD Colorado

Share your ideas on how to improve public education in Colorado with Governor Hickenlooper through the interactive TBD website. Topics include state/local cost share, ECE, means testing, and more areas where you can give your two cents.

In Case You Missed It

Evan Stone

At the end of February, we had a thought-provoking conversation with Evan Stonefrom Educators 4 Excellence about the role that teachers play to influence education policy in Denver and across the country.

E4E is spreading its message across the country and pushing for a stronger teacher voice on policies that impact the classroom.

Pat McQuillan

Last night, Dr. Pat McQuillan, shared his lessons about how transformative leaders can change a school. Pat is an associate professor at Boston College and works with the Lynch Leadership Academy to train school leaders from Catholic, charter, and traditional schools in Boston. We will have materials, video, and pictures posted for you early next week in case you missed it!

As always, we want your feedback on how we can make these events even better. We won’t bombard you with a survey, but please send a short email (liz@aplusdenver.org) telling us what you loved, hated, or thought could have been better.