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

A+ Stay Sharp: 9.3.2020

As September is officially underway, students and educators have begun the most unconventional school year they’ll likely face in their lifetimes. As teachers navigate the terrain of delivering online instruction and district leadership navigates challenging decisions on reopening plans; A+ Colorado is committed to providing you with news and resources throughout this semester.  In this…

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Opening Lessons: Kids need to learn from one another and adults

Virtual school, image via Pexels. Credit: August de Richelieu Going into September, most schools have opened throughout the land: some in-person, some partially in-person, and some fully online. I have been trying to track what I am hearing and seeing through conversations with folks on the ground — and with lots of reading. Kids (and…

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A+ Stay Sharp: 8.27.2020

It’s been a pivotal week throughout the education ecosystem as the majority of public schools throughout Colorado have returned for the 2020-21 school year. This is poised to be one of the most challenging semesters for educators, administrators and families alike. A+ Colorado will continue to keep our readers in the know on the latest…

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A+ Stay Sharp: 8.20.2020

Colorado students have begun what will be an unconventional school year. Teachers and school leaders continue to demonstrate adaptability as they return to school, with some schools being fully online, others pursuing hybrid models, and some in-person learning throughout the centennial state. This week’s Stay Sharp newsletter includes a tool that has monitored 22 Colorado…

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A+ Stay Sharp: 8.13.2020

The latest report from A+ Colorado was released earlier this week. Outliers 2020 provides valuable insight into where school districts are successfully serving students in a variety of ways, from supporting their math skills to getting them to higher education. While school leaders and families prepare for what will be an unconventional fall semester, this report provides…

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Is the Denver Public School Board no longer focused on ending inequality?

Is the Denver Public Schools board no longer focused on ending inequality? Van Schoales – President of A+ Colorado. This piece was originally published in the Denver Post on August 18th. The Denver School Board’s recent letter to families asking them to prioritize the school district’s interests above the interests of their children is a remarkable…

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A+ Stay Sharp: 8.5.2020

School districts throughout the state have a wide range of reopening plans with several starting the 2020 school year with remote learning. As the new school year gets underway and the COVID-19 health crisis evolves, A+ Colorado will continue providing you with up to date information from throughout the ecosystem. A+ Updates Outliers preview While…

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Would I send my kid to school this Fall?

Would I send my kid to school this fall? Van Schoales – President of A+ Colorado. This piece was originally published in the 74 on August 4th. I get asked daily what I would do if I had a child entering school this fall. While every family situation is so different, I can share my…

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A+ Stay Sharp: 6.25.2020

As heat waves roll through the Front Range, education communities are hoping to recharge after a demanding school year with unprecedented challenges. A+ Colorado will be doing the same as we take a break from sending the Stay Sharp Newsletters during the month of July; we look forward to continuing to provide education updates and…

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The Courage to Address Systemic Inequity

Letter to Colleagues – The Courage to Address Systemic Inequity Mike Miles, A+ Colorado Board Member, June 15 2020 Even before COVID-19 we knew that our public education system was inequitable. On the whole, poor and minority students did not receive the same opportunities or access to high quality programs and schools as their wealthier…

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