Commentary

The Dream and The Dreamer

Our teaching of The Dream and The Dreamer must begin here: In the uncomfortable space that affirms that this country continues to bounce the check of equality and justice issued to citizens of color. 

CDE graduation rate spin serves no one well

This week's Colorado Department of Education data release on 2020 graduation rates carries an unfortunate whiff of spin and happy-talk at a time when we should instead be trying to assess the impacts the pandemic has had on student learning.

From the editor: Wishes for a new year

Images of hate-fueled extremists marauding through the U.S. Capitol help highlight how narrow and in some ways trivial the divisions on education policy are in Denver. Surely we can find ways to come together, or at least keep our disagreements civil.

In superintendent search, what is community engagement?

Anyone who has been around the district for a number of years knows that DPS’ history of failed community engagement efforts is long and unfortunate. Let's hope that is about to change. 

Dwight Jones as interim superintendent: Competence trumps ideology

The selection of Dwight Jones as interim superintendent shows that the Denver school board decided, at least this once, to favor competence and experience over ideology.

Sondermann: Dems at a crossroads on public education

Denver is but a microcosm of the dilemma facing Democrats across the country as they are the ones running most big-city school systems and, come Jan. 20, the executive branch of the federal government.

The nonprofit I run can inform Biden on Career and Technical Education

What we will offer when our first school launches is unlike any other school in Illinois or the nation: world-class career preparation coupled with rigorous academics. Our kids deserve no less. We are hoping our work will capture the attention of the incoming Biden administration. We believe our model has national potential.

Critics of current board lack evidence: ex-board member Lefkowits

An elected mayor calling for the board to abdicate its primary constitutional responsibility of hiring a superintendent and former school board members making accusations without evidence only serves to confirm the view of many stakeholders that they can’t count on elected officials to tell the truth or to do the right thing.

UPDATED: As pressure mounts on DPS board, will members pivot?

As former Denver Mayor Federico Peña and current Mayor Michael Hancock release a statement critical of the school board's handling of Superintendent Susana Cordova, will the board learn its lesson and alter future behavior?

Enriching our kids’ future through a broader understanding of their past

It is time to begin dismantling existing curriculum anchored in the overrepresentation of Eurocentric thought and perspective. Throughout history, prominent educators such as WEB DuBois, Carter G. Woodson, Paulo Freire and other philosophers of color developed ways for this kind of secondary and post-secondary education to be developed. 

Board’s DSST vote and insulting words damage a community where kids thrive

A DSST at Noel Middle School parent and staff member describes how the school board's decision Thursday to delay the high school damages a thriving community. And the divisive comments by a couple of board members rubbed salt in the wound.

DPS board champions Black excellence, except in charter schools

The Denver school board's focus on Black excellence is important, but looks two-faced when board members are ignoring the Black excellence at a Far Northeast Denver charter school.

Remote learning has failed most children. Districts must pivot now

There is no need to mince words: Remote learning has failed the children who need it most. Districts must pivot immediately or be held to account for their failure.

If DPS board rejects DSST high school, it’s pure adult politics

Let's cut to the chase: The likely refusal to allow a new DSST high school to open next year is all about the adults.

UPDATED: DSST Noel vote: Will data prevail?

UPDATED: The Denver school board has decided to postpone its vote on allowing a DSST Rachel Noel High School to open next year. District officials worked this week with board members and DSST leadership to craft a compromise, but were unable to come up with a solution. An agreement satisfactory to all seemed a distant prospect at best.

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