Amy Oliver Show: Democratic Ex-Legislator Rejects Education Tax Proposal
Bob Hagedorn, an Aurora Democrat who served in the state legislature from 1993 to 2008, explains why he has taken a stand in opposition to the billion-dollar statewide tax initiative and offers some policy alternatives.
Two More California Blended Learning Charters Give Colorado Some Inspiration
For some Colorado students, the school year is already back. For most of them, it’s coming very soon. So I can enjoy the last days of summer vacation, I wanted to share something quickly for you to help appreciate some more of the possibilities raised by The Rise of K-12 Blended Learning in Colorado. So […]
Charter Competition Has Some Healthy Benefits for Denver, Still Room for More
How many of my posts here have been inspired by a story at Education Next? Someone with too much time on their hands and go find the exact answer. But you’ll have to add this one to the count, because I think readers would find interesting a new piece by Marc Holley & Co., “Competition […]
Heads Up, K-12 Leaders: Open Negotiations Doesn’t Necessarily Mean “Open”
A good reminder when analyzing policies, including in the world of K-12 education, is to take some time to look beneath the surface. A policy may not be exactly what it seems. The inimitable Mike Antonucci recently offered up a telling example. Under the heading “How to Close ‘Open’ Bargaining Sessions”, he points readers to […]
Can Colorado Reach Forefront of Student-Centered Digital Learning Policy?
A little disappointed? Yes. Surprised? Not really. I’m talking about digital learning guru Michael Horn’s new Education Next breakdown of 2013 legislative policy changes affecting the world of online education. It’s a long read, but Horn essentially identifies three different trends: More course-level choice and freedom for students; More restrictions on full-time online learning programs; […]
DeGrow Moderates Friedman Day School Choice Discussion
On Wednesday, July 31, senior education policy analyst Ben DeGrow moderated discussion for “Choice in Education is Good for Children, Parents, and Teachers,” an event sponsored by the Americans for Prosperity Foundation.
Amy Oliver Show: ACE Scholarships Engages Parents, Gives Students Opportunities
James Coleman discusses ACE Scholarships’ work to provide more opportunities to students and to build parent engagement, as well as how a tax credit program like other states have could encourage more scholarship donations.
Report Begs Question: Why did Colo. SB 213 Neglect Performance-Based Funding?
The list of substantive reforms ignored by backers of SB 213 and the billion-dollar statewide tax hike continues to grow. Today it’s the idea of Performance-Based Funding (PBF), promoted in a brief new Lexington Institute paper. Noting that Florida, Michigan, and Arizona have undertaken steps in this direction, the authors note: What all these efforts […]
Heads Up, Colorado: Demand for Florida Scholarship Tax Credits Growing Fast
Demand for scholarship tax credits is skyrocketing in Florida, as more than 50,000 children now are being served by the 12-year-old program. With more evidence that the expanded choice helps students and motivates families, it only gives Colorado all the more reason to consider seriously its own program to encourage more donations to K-12 scholarship organizations. Think of all the good we can do by helping Colorado Kids Win!
School Choice Enhances Results, Expands Understanding of “Public Education”
Okay, all you education transformers out there, I’ve got something for you to take to heart. Seriously, here’s your opportunity to pay attention, ponder, process, and personalize. If someone asked you to define or explain what public education is, what would you say? For that purpose, I urge you to read a great new essay […]
Big North Carolina School Choice Win Leads to Celebration, Vigilance
It seems like a good day to step back and savor a big school choice victory. The American Federation of Children today applauds the major new voucher program: The new Opportunity Scholarship program was passed yesterday as part of the state budget, which is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Pat McCrory. The […]
Amy Oliver Show: Blended Learning Takes Off in Colorado
Krista Kafer talks about the growing trend of blended learning, how it can help students and teachers, and some models that are being used in Colorado. More classrooms and schools are making strategic use of technology to rethink how education is delivered and to expand the reach of effective teachers.
