Amy Oliver Show: Falcon 49 Proposes Initiative to Enhance Online Learning
Chris Wright, vice president of the Falcon 49 school board, talks about the Digital BOCES proposal, his district’s latest innovative initiative to increase support for online and blended learning programs that are working to meet the needs of students across Colorado.
Indiana Supreme Court Ruling a True, Lasting March Madness Victory for Kids
Update, 3/27: For more perspective on the magnitude of yesterday’s court victory, read this redefinED commentary by Institute for Justice attorney Bert Gall, who argued the Indiana case. I’m feeling just a little jealous of Indiana today. Just a little now–this is Colorado after all. I’m not talking about the fact that the Hoosiers made […]
All This Talk about Course Choice Makes Colorado Debates Seem So 20th Century
While the big school finance reform legislation at the Colorado State Capitol explores reshuffling the dollars in a 20th century system — and dashing my youthful hopes along the way — other states continue to plow ahead with the idea of course choice. Students are enabled to customize their education by choosing courses regardless of […]
New Digital Learning Report Card Charts Familiar Path for Colorado to Improve
It’s time to send Colorado home with another report card (figuratively, I mean — not sure how you would do that literally). Back in January I pointed out the release of 3 national education policy report cards. Colorado got a C from Student First for some key teacher and choice policies, a B from the […]
Guess No “Vouchers” in SB 213, Really Not Much Backpack Funding, Choice at All
As it rushes through the state legislature, many questions remain about SB 213, the major school finance reform legislation tied to a billion dollar tax hike. A document from Senator Michael Johnston’s office suggested the proposal might include “vouchers” for high school students, but alas it isn’t so. Not only is it not “vouchers,” but the designated funds remain in district control, not student backpacks. I wish the bill had more reform.
Big SB 213 School Finance Bill Hearing Keeps Me Watching, Brings Out Questions
When it comes to the world of K-12 education in Colorado — you know, what keeps my little eyes busy watching — today (this week!) is all consumed in the political debates over Senate Bill 213, the big school finance overhaul tied to a billion dollar tax increase. So I invite you to follow the […]
Transparency in DougCo School District: Toward a Happy Ending to the Story
Update, 3/25: Happy endings don’t usually come so quickly. But just one week later, Dougco has made and received confirmation on a number of online transparency improvements to now receive an A-minus grade. If you’ve followed little old Eddie for any length of time, you know I’m a fan of the following two things: open […]
Court Upholds Teacher Removal: Adams 12 Board Vindicated, Taxpayers Pay
When Colorado and other states pass education reform laws, it’s important to pay attention to what problems are solved and what problems are not. As an example, Colorado’s SB 191, which passed three whole years ago, made some important changes. Effective teacher evaluations soon will be required before earning extra “due process” job protections. How […]
Court Upholds School Choice: Alabama Kids Win, Now Why Not Colorado, Too?
A little over a week ago I told you about the brilliant blindside hit for Alabama kids in failing schools and other school choice supporters. Not only did they sack the quarterback for a loss, but the reform team defense forced a fumble and returned it for a touchdown! Well, the coaches for the education […]
A Colorado Digital BOCES? Leave the Creative Ideas to Innovative Falcon 49
Intriguing. The Colorado Springs Gazette today reports that some of the region’s leading education innovators have proposed a new idea to provide specialized oversight and support to online learning programs: The Falcon School District 49 school board is expected to vote Thursday on a proposal that would create a collaborative education organization that could charter […]
Colorado House Bill 1257 and the Quest to Stifle Local Education Innovation
Every once in awhile you see a piece of K-12 education legislation appear, and you just scratch your head. (Okay, really, it’s more often than every once in awhile.) Colorado’s latest example is the short and sour House Bill 1257, which I think should be called the Stifling Innovation Act of 2013. HB 1257 as […]
Lobato Case Returns: We Need School Finance Reform, Not Constitutional Crisis
Yesterday, some attorneys got up and argued an important case affecting K-12 education before the Colorado Supreme Court. The hearing was about an appeal of the Denver district court’s Lobato decision, previously referred to by the Denver Post as the “Super Bowl of school funding litigation.” Judge Sheila Rappaport granted judgment for the plaintiffs, contending […]
