Jeffco Leads the Way on Sensible Union Contract Changes
I’ve got to be honest, the Denver Post’s Editorial Board has kind of been knocking my socks off recently. First, they wrote good, thoughtful columns on the Dougco voucher decision and the abuse of democracy that is the Jeffco recall. Now they’ve come out with a new column praising Jefferson County School District’s new tentative […]
Colorado Student-Based Budgeting on the Rise
Led by Falcon 49, a growing number of Colorado local K-12 agencies have set the pace for student-based budgeting standard to increase transparency, equity, and flexibility in how resources are used. More opportunities lie ahead for these school districts and other adopters to expand and accelerate its benefits.
A Rocketship Visit to Jeffco: More Than Just Eddie’s Big Dream?
There’s a lot of attention on the school board politics in Jeffco these days. Dealing with it sometimes is a necessity. But to me it’s a shame, given the pockets of great need for students in the Jefferson and neighboring Alameda articulation areas, just west of Denver. Last November I first highlighted the significant positive […]
Joyce Rankin Joins State Board of Ed
Back in June, I used a precious Friday post to say goodbye to State Board of Education chairwoman Marcia Neal after her eyebrow-raising departure from the board. Last week, a 3rd Congressional District vacancy committee selected Marcia’s replacement: Joyce Rankin of Carbondale. Today was Joyce’s first day on the job, and I want to take […]
Devil’s Advocate: Jeffco Board “Vindicated” on AP U.S. History Framework
Education reporters Nic Garcia of Chalkbeat and Sherrie Peif of CompleteColorado.com join host Jon Caldara to discuss the recent uproar over a Jefferson County board member’s suggestion to review the AP U.S. History framework.
Let Me Repeat Myself Once Again: Colorado Needs Course Choice
It has been said far more than once: “Repetition is the key to learning.” Given the number of times I’ve been told the importance of cleaning my room and eating my vegetables, my parents are firm believers in this statement. But hey, little Eddie gets it, too. Sometimes you have to make the same point […]
U.S. History Course Now More Balanced
Accusations of censorship against the Jeffco board and other critics linger. Given recent changes to APUSH, however, perhaps the most appropriate question to ask is who was censoring whom.
New Reason Foundation Video Explains Important Union-Related SCOTUS Case
Happy Friday, friends! I’ve written a lot of words this week, and I suspect you all need a bit of a reading break. You know what that means: Video time! Fortunately, the Reason Foundation has provided a great new video that will suit our needs perfectly. Yesterday, we talked about how much teachers unions dislike […]
Union Complaints Obscure Need for Fair, Level Playing Field
Denver and Jeffco union leaders complain about new requirements to communicate with employees on the same terms as other groups. But shouldn’t teachers be given options on a level playing field?
New Study Highlights Success in New Orleans
You know what’s way more fun than debunking silly arguments about charter schools? And almost as exciting as celebrating fair funding for charter students in two of my favorite districts? New research showing huge improvements in New Orleans, which has the nation’s first all-charter system. Well, almost all charter. Over 90 percent of the city’s […]
A(New)PUSH for Truth in American History
Yesterday, I highlighted a brave Jeffco mom who was willing to go on camera and thank the Jefferson County Board of Education majority for standing up for reform. I also ran through a distressingly lengthy list of inaccurate claims—maybe “fabrications” would be more appropriate—and downright disturbing revelations about the recall. Included in the list was […]
Freedom Minute: JeffCo Mom Thanks School Board
JeffCo graduate and mom Jennifer Butts thanks the current school board for listening to parents like her, and for advancing reforms that help ensure her kids — and all JeffCo kids — have access to options that best serve their needs.
