“I don’t believe schools are just places for learning. They’re safe havens for many students who need a break from toxic households or just serve as a place where they can be themselves. A supportive community within a school can make all the difference.”
SHIFT Chronicles: What makes a quality school? Read More »
We’ve been sold college as the only path to social and economic mobility, but when we arrive, we don’t have the tools and knowledge to best navigate it. Was it more important to simply get us to college and not help position us in ways that we could really thrive when we got there?
Building a future where DPS students don’t just survive; they thrive Read More »
One of our big initiatives was aligning as a network on key culture systems. We did a lot of work to reset our culture systems and raise the bar across the school. When you raise the bar for students, they will rise to meet it.
Improving academic outcomes: Access to grade-level material is equity work Read More »
New data has again shown that charter school students are receiving quality opportunities. The Colorado Department of Education recently released its School Performance Framework (SPF) results for 2023-24, providing another fundamental lesson that charter schools are getting it right. Last year, the CREDO report from Stanford University showed that charter students are getting significantly more
CDE reports charter students continue raising the bar Read More »
It is true that DPS students and subgroups of students (low-income students and kids of color) outpaced the state on growth measures in many areas. But at the rate that many DPS students are growing, they will never reach grade-level proficiency. That has profound implications for their futures, and is hardly cause for celebration.
DPS spins test results, but truth is plain to see Read More »
I’m going to suggest three ideas to improve outcomes for schools, the problem we are solving for, associated myths, associated facts, the theory of change, the change idea, and the level of spice I think it might contain.
Practicality, intentionality, and trying new things > complaining Read More »
Middle school. It is a transition point in life like no other. It brings with it so many physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual changes, and you just can’t leave it to chance that every place will be the best place for your kid. The roll of the dice won’t cut it here.
In search of a high-quality middle school Read More »
My hope for my students is they are able to pursue their passions and endeavors in an unrestricted way and know they have the power to change the world and seize their own futures. We tend to discount youth, but they have a voice and power in that.
From Ednium: Find something worth existing for Read More »
“It used to be a simple, shared agreement,” said University Prep Chief Operating Officer Alastair Dawe. “School doors open, and children pour into the building. But the world is more complex today and different people need different supports just to get to school.”
How one charter school network is tackling chronic absenteeism Read More »
There is this stigma when someone hears the word “artist.” People sigh at a successful future for artists and creatives. There’s an assumption that all artists are starving, and they don’t know where their next paycheck will come from. That their very struggle is why they’re an artist.
A colorful path less traveled: My journey as a professional creative after DPS Read More »
