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


January Newsletter: Keeping you informed about A+ Denver

What’s happening around town

Manual High School


Chalkbeat Colorado recently did an excellent job reporting on the most recent changes at Manual and the tragic history of the school in a four-part special series. A+ Denver’s Van Schoales commented on this issue in part one & two of the series and in the Denver Post.

Denver Public Schools was right to intervene with a change in leadership at the school but must now finally set things right for the Manual community.  The district must have authentic community discussions about how to right the educational ship at Manual. It also needs to initiate a broad search for long-term leadership (and simultaneously build a bench for secondary school leadership across the district). There needs to be a plan to ensure that every student that steps through the doors of Manual will be prepared for life, career and college.

The district should also provide any current Manual student the option to attend the school of their choice (DSST, East, CEC, etc) if they are not satisfied with what they are getting at Manual.  Students and families at Manual deserve an extraordinary level of support from the district because of what has occurred at this school over the last nineteen years.

 

Innovation schools: what happens when you give schools more autonomy?


Research completed by the University of Colorado Denver, Evaluation Center, suggests that so far, autonomy alone hasn’t been the key to increase achievement. Innovation schools show some benefits over traditional schools (like more student growth), but overall they are performing very similarly to non-Innovation schools. It is also important to note that teachers do feel more empowered and committed at Innovation schools.

Click here to read the report and here for the PPT presented by researchers. Or, check out the media coverage by Chalkbeat Colorado or CPR.

 
Turnaround schools: what results have $58 million yielded since 2010?

 

In A+ Denver’s follow-up report, we look at how schools have fared after a series of large grants and bold interventions (read the report here). The report was also covered by Andy Smarick of the Fordham Institute, Chalkbeat Colorado, and twice by the Pueblo Chieftain (here and here).
 

Notes from the classroom: Skinner and GALS


Skinner and GALS look almost nothing alike. Both are filled with sixth, seventh and eighth graders working on math, English, social studies and art. But there the similarities start to fade. Skinner is a traditional middle school that has shown strong academic growth in recent years after faltering several years ago. They want to “expose students to some of everything” before the kids move on to high school – and have a variety of activities like band, a Spanish program, orchestra and a science team that demonstrates this philosophy. The words that come to mind after spending a morning there include: orderly, organized and deliberate.

However, growth in reading and writing among low income students at Skinner for the past four years has averaged 54% in both categories, which is still not enough to get them to proficiency.

GALS is also organized and deliberate, but we would describe it as structured and well-designed chaos. Students schedules change daily and include math, social studies, arts, literacy often integrated with movement (such as yoga, dance, running or chants). The school’s philosophy and practice have a strong research base that run counter to many traditional middle school practices and are designed to build each girl academically and ensure that they are strong advocates for themselves.  It’s a very unique public school model with a totally different vibe from most middle schools. There is a fair amount of singing and self-expression. A talented staff has built a place were young women from diverse backgrounds seem genuinely to be experiencing a love of learning.

While GALS has shown some good overall good growth, like Skinner, low income students averaged 56% for reading and 64% for writing in the past three years. GALS and Skinner will need to up their growth scores (particularly for reading) in order for kids to thrive in rigorous high school settings.

Looking ahead

Nominate a 2013 Game Changer

Game changers are people at the school, district, or policy level that have impacted public education in Denver in a positive way.

To nominate someone use the hashtag below on Facebook or Twitter or send us an emailtelling us why your nominee is a game changer. Our picks will be announced in February 2014.

#EdCoGameChanger

Donnell-Kay releases Part 2 of Leadership Pipeline Report Series


In the report, DK’s Kim Knous Dolan, describes the specific challenges facing school turnaround leaders and puts forward recommendations to ensure that Colorado is training and hiring leaders who are able to produce results in some of the state’s most challenging schools. Read it here.
 
ACE Scholarships film screening, The Ticket, and school choice panel

In celebration of National School Choice Week, ACE Scholarships will be presenting a special viewing and panel discussion of The Ticket on Saturday, January 25th from 3:30pm-5:30pm at the Cleo Parker Robinson Theater (119 Park Ave West).  A+ Denver’s, Van Schoales, will be moderating a panel discussion about defining school choice and education reform. RSVP to James Coleman at 720.297.5301 orJColeman@ACEScholarships.org
 
Job Announcement – Reading Partners, Executive Director
 
Reading Partners is seeking an Executive Director to build on its success in the last 18 months in Colorado. Click here for full job description.
 
MHC Grant Fund Opportunity

Mile High Connects is a broad partnership of organizations from the private, public and nonprofit sectors that are committed to increasing access to housing choices, good jobs, quality schools and essential services via public transit. MHC is seeking applicants and is offering a grant application workshop on Wednesday, January 29th, 2:00 – 3:30 pm at The Denver Foundation, Community Room, 55 Madison St., 7th Floor.  RSVP to, Davian Gagne at dgagne@denverfoundation.org, by Monday, January 27th with your name(s)of person/people attending, email, and organization information.
Book Drive
 

We still need your used chilren books for the free library at the public housing office at 777 Grant Street. If you have books to donate, email sari@aplusdenver.org.