Teachers Matter: New Book Highlights 2012 Importance of Educator Effectiveness
This new year brings a lot to get excited about, and get busy about: 2012 brings the need to move forward on important education issues. One such major issue is how Colorado K-12 public schools recruit, hire, pay, evaluate and retain their teachers. An important contribution compiling all the key research on the question is the new book Teachers Matter by Manhattan Institute senior fellow Marcus Winters. Click through to watch a professionally-made 5-minute video on Winters’ book.
Winding Down 2011 by Looking Ahead to Colorado Digital Learning Gains in 2012
I don’t think you’ll see me writing much more for the blog this year. Can you believe it’s almost 2012? Well, just in case this is the last post of the calendar year, I wanted to make sure it’s an important one. Looking at the growing world of digital learning certainly qualifies. Basically, I’m past […]
Governor Appeals Lobato Ruling; State Board May Need Some Holiday Cheer First
Talk about making an important decision before Christmas AND the big snowstorm that hit the Denver area and the foothills. Yesterday morning Governor John Hickenlooper announced that he will appeal the outrageous school finance ruling in Lobato v State:
“…a final resolution of the constitutional and legal issues involved in the case require an appeal to […]
New Center for Ed Reform Research Compiles Charter School Closure Data
Not long ago I told you how the number of Colorado students enrolling in charter schools was rising quickly. This followed closely on the heels of a national study debunking anti-charter mythology and showing where the real strengths of this public education option tend to stand.
One of the oft-cited advantages of charters is the greater […]
2012 is Coming, Time to Gear Up for the Second National School Choice Week
Can it be nearly a year since the first-ever National School Choice Week? You remember what a big deal I made of it then. Well, here’s fair warning that the second annual National School Choice Week is only a month away, with a great video to share in telling your friends about it:
It’s getting too […]
Denver Post Tackles Long-Studied Problem of Tax-Funded Teachers Union Release Time
The front page of the Sunday Denver Post has brought newfound attention to the madness of Colorado teachers unions receiving taxpayer subsidies. Reporter Karen Crummy not only took note of an issue we have highlighted for years but also did lots of her own digging to find at least $5.8 million for union activities underwritten by taxpayers in the past 5 years. Our own Ben DeGrow noted the “appalling” lack of accountability, so why aren’t publicly-funded union perks on the chopping block in tight budget times?
Choosing a Colorado Online School for Your Child
The use of the Internet as an education program delivery system has increased rapidly in Colorado in recent years. The first full-time Colorado public online program began in the Monte Vista School District in 1995. For the 2011-2012 school year, 22 full-time multi-district public online schools are certified to serve students statewide. Colorado students may choose from any of the statewide programs. Additionally, 24 full-time single-district online programs serve students who reside in a particular district.
Denver Innovation Schools Report Does Little to Resolve Policy Debate
Back in the warm summertime, which seems so long ago, I brought attention to a thoughtful essay that called into question the success of the Innovation Schools Act. My thoughts on the matter really haven’t changed since then — I still believe despite the clear limitations there is a place for innovation schools, though not […]
Share News of Dec. 15 Teachers Union Political Refund Deadline for the Holidays!
Little Eddie is learning to be generous during the holiday season. That’s why I’m helping my Education Policy Center friend Ben DeGrow with one of his favorite charities: informing and reminding Colorado teachers of their membership options. It’s especially important this time of year, because tomorrow (December 15) is the deadline for members of the […]
Devil's Advocate: Colorado Teachers Union Political Refund
Tune in to Devil’s Advocate as host Jon Caldara is joined by Independence Institute senior policy analyst Ben DeGrow to discuss the December 15 deadline for Colorado teachers union members who want to get refunds of their money used for political purposes. For educators who wish to exercise the refund option, more information on how to get back the $39 CEA Every Member Option (EMO) and the various local EMOs can be found on the Independent Teachers website.
Effective Math and Science Program Making Big Leap in Colorado High Schools
Raise your hand if you agree with me that the USA — and Colorado in particular — can do a better job preparing enough students for success in the areas science, math and technology. Don’t worry about feeling self-conscious if you are in a room with other people. If you can’t overcome it, at least […]
Judge Sets Constitution Aside in School Finance Ruling
Joshua Dunn, professor at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs and author of Complex Justice, deconstructs Denver District Court Judge Sheila Rappaport’s December 9 decision for the plaintiffs in the school finance case Lobato v State. Dunn says the judge’s “absolute contempt for the constitution” is unique among the hundreds of rulings in similar cases nationwide that he has read and analyzed, and identifies clear grounds for a very likely appeal.
