If you are frustrated with education in America, or more locally in Colorado and Denver, then do something.  It’s as simple as that.  We all can’t sit on the couch and complain about what is happening if we are not doing our part.  So many of us say that we want a solution but are expecting that it can happen, or should happen, without our involvement.  Sorry parents, it can not.  How about tacking on another New Year’s Resolution and get off that couch for your children? Speak up!  Advocate!  How many of you are doing something already? Be sure to share it with us. We’d love to hear how you are making a difference.  See below:

I recently met with the editor of EdNews Parent, Julie Poppen. Read below to see what the buzz is regarding this new educational site for parents in Colorado.

New website for Colorado school parents! We would like to alert you to a new website/e-mail newsletter providing updates on the week’s hottest news, tip sheets and abundant resources related to healthy schools, safe schools and teaching and learning called EdNews Parent. The site – created in partnership with Education News Colorado and funded by the Colorado Health Foundation – is a free resource for parents interested in education. Parents can sign up for an e-mail newsletter (find the sign-up form on the lower left corner of the home page) they’ll receive every other week, pose questions to a panel of experts in the three topic areas and interact with other parents. The site brings together people interested in educational issues beyond the scope of their child’s own school or district. At the same time, the content can be personalized through the Ask an Expert feature. You can also follow EdNews Parent on Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks Julie! The informational resources on education for parents in Colorado are growing so please spread the word and add to the collective value of these sites!

Jenn’s Two Cents

Bullying is a topic that has been in the news a lot lately.  It has always been a common practice of middle school age kids.  And, it has never been acceptable.  What is also common, are administrators and teachers either turning a blind eye or throwing their hands up claiming it’s the parents responsibility and it’s not in the job description of school staff to deal with. Even schools that say they have anti-bullying programs in place still only scratch the surface of what is a much deeper and destructive issue.

We’ve all heard the news reports of suicides related to bullying around the country. And, in our own back yard, there was Columbine, Deer Creek and Platte Canyon.  These, of course, are the handful that you hear about.  What we might be forgetting are the elementary, junior high and high school students that experience taunting, teasing and bullying every day but do not express their torment to anyone.  How does it affect their schoolwork, their relationships with peers and their overall judgment of how things work in this world?

A survey conducted by the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (the survey was conducted by Dan Olweus (pronounced Ol-VEY-us), who is considered the founding father of research on bully/victim issues) shows that 17% of students in elementary, middle and high school report that they are bullied with some frequency (2-3 times per week). Some reports say this is as high as 30%. This percentage is too large to ignore.  Why? Because 10% of these kids have indicated that they have also bullied. These kids will soon become the adults of our society, teachers of our children, managers of business and leaders of this country.  National research shows the effects of bullying can last a lifetime. Do we really want 17% of our population having a history of being tormented and tormenting others?  I think not.

What I believe works are peer or buddy programs that empower students to report, prevent and protect.  There is no stronger influence than your peers at this level. We tell our kids not to tattle, teachers tell students to work it out for themselves – it’s no wonder victims become victims – because they are afraid to tell.  If it’s not cool to taunt then it simply won’t happen as much.  Teller Elementary in Denver does a good job of this with their P.E. Aces (which cleverly spells out “peace”) program started by P.E. Teacher Christine Baumgartner. The program empowers 4^th and 5^th graders to become advocates and mentors for their younger peers out on the playground.

My two cents is in order to decrease this bullying epidemic, we must take a multi-dimensional approach and concrete action.  Schools (administrators and teachers), parents, and students must all be responsible and act upon any incident – no matter how small. Actions speak louder than words.

Kerri’s Two Cents:

Recently, while chatting with some friends, the issue of bullying came up. It’s such a hot topic right now. We all wondered why bullying is so prevalent today. It’s existed for years but why do we hear about it so much now. And, who is to blame for the bullying? Is it the parents, school administrators, or the kids themselves? Are kids not being taught morals and values in the home these days or does the rise in bullying have to do with the incredible explosion of technology? Today, bullying happens not only at school but continues outside of school through the Internet (social networks or emails) or a cell phone text (cyberbullying). No matter who is to blame, the problem needs to be addressed and drastic measures need to happen.

I think it’s important now more than ever that we ALL do our part in educating children about this topic and the effects it has on others. Children are taking their own lives because they feel so powerless, alone and don’t know who or how to ask for help. Parents have to teach their children morals and values, empathy and tolerance. This can be taught through books, discussions, every day life, and by example. Schools have to teach some of these topics as well and start teaching children at a very young age (personally, I think the sooner they teach it the better results they’ll garner). Anti-bullying programs can’t just be an introduction in the schools but rather woven into the curriculum some how. We must empower our children with the tools they need to stand up to bullies, protect their peers from being bullied and refrain from becoming a bully themselves. Schools that empower kids to be leaders and mentor other students in dealing with this issue or schools that teach tolerance and celebrate diversity are off to a great start in diminishing bully behavior. Jenn mentioned a program over at Teller Elementary. Why can’t more elementary schools create a program such as this especially if it’s working? Why can’t more children become peacemakers in the classroom assisting their peers in dealing with conflict resolution or children acting as school ambassadors, mentoring young children to make better decisions throughout the school day. Another beneficial way to teach children more relating to this topic could be through role play. After all, the more engaged the child, the more vested they are in their learning.

A friend of mine watched a PBS documentary recently called “This Emotional Life.” Click here: to view a clip from the documentary. My two cents includes encouraging parents to watch a documentary such as this or read a few articles regarding bullying so we, the parent, are better informed in helping guide our own children to become more thoughtful, accepting, and respectful toward others.

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Here is one positive effort that Colorado is making on the anti-bullying front.  This program was funded by The Colorado Trust and it’s called Safe2Tell.org –  An organization that’s set up for anti-bullying and school safety by allowing kids to leave anonymous tips on a phone tip-line or on a website. They have also set up a Safe2Text program as well. Law enforcement and the schools follow up on each tip. Since its inception there have been over 8,000 calls and over 2,500 reports resulting in an investigation throughout Colorado. As of October 19, 2010, there have been 67 arrests from these cases.

Also check out Resources on Bullying and Cyberbullying to learn further about about the bullying issue.

Does your school have an anti-bullying campaign? Please share your comments on bullying here.

During the 2008 Presidential election, I remember hearing people say, “We’re fed up with the status quo, we need change!”  Well folks, there is no better time than now to be fed up with the public education system which has been status quo for too long and it’s time to demand change!  After viewing the documentary, Waiting for “Superman”, most of you are going to be “fired up” and wonder how you can help promote change regarding education. It’s time to take action; don’t our children deserve it?

One way is to be knowledgeable about the issues in the upcoming election November 2nd. It’s important to know what’s on the ballot, especially how Amendment 60 and 61, along with Proposition 101 would affect our public schools here in Colorado. Below is a letter from DPS’s Superintendent, Tom Boasberg. Be informed and be sure to VOTE “NO” if you care about education and our future generation. Do Something Colorado!

Stand for Children wants you to Do Your Homework!

Learn your ABC’s for Election Day

A. What’s Stand for Children’s vision for Colorado schools?
With Lindsay Neil, Stand for Children

B. Where do Denver candidates stand on education issues?
Q&A with Denver legislative candidates, moderated by Zachary Rowe, teacher and Stand for Children member

C. What’s up with 60, 61, and 101?
With Carol Hedges of the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute

Wednesday, September 29
5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
(Reception starts at 5:00; program begins at 5:30)
Montclair Elementary, 1151 Newport Street, Denver, CO

To R.S.V.P. or learn more, contact Amy Humble at 720.292.1905 or ahumble@stand.org.

To learn more about Stand for Children, visit www.stand.org/co

Our blog’s purpose is to help parents navigate the Kindergarten and elementary school phase of their children’s education. In Colorado, we are given the opportunity of “choice” in our search. This program gives parents many options when it comes to choosing a school for their child outside of their neighborhood school. The process can become overwhelming with the myriad of choices including faith-based schools, private schools, charter schools, and magnet schools – each with varying programs and curriculum.  The entire process can be very mind-boggling.

We created ScoopToo.com as a result of this daunting search and discovery process endured not long ago while researching the right school for our children. After charts, graphs, phone calls, tours, interviews, testing, researching, seeking advice from friends,  it became a huge commitment and sacrifice of time. We felt strongly about helping other parents in this arena and that a collective resource for information on related topics would help abundantly.  So, therein lies the inspiration for ScoopToo.com.

Our blog consists of school profiles, parent interviews, national and local education related articles, a Two Cents series, events, posts on educational topics we’ve researched, etc.  Please grab a cup of coffee or glass of wine, kick back, and start reading.

It is our belief that the more educated you are with this process, the more empowered you will feel about making informed decisions about your child’s education. We’d love for you to spread the word about ScoopToo.com to your family, friends, and colleagues and wish you the best of luck in your journey.

Take action today to ensure Colorado children have great teachers and principals!

Due to a technical issue, some of you may not have receieved the correct petition link in our previous email. We apologize for that error. Please click through to the petition at www.greatteachersandstudents.org.

Dear friend,

This month we have a historic opportunity: to improve public schools in Colorado for your children and all Colorado children. A child’s teacher is the number one in-school factor that determines student success and the principal is number two.

Take a Stand Today

Tell Governor Ritter and your legislators to support the teacher and leader effectiveness bill to ensure every Colorado student has a great teacher and principal!

State Senators Michael Johnston (D-Denver) and Nancy Spence (R-Centennial) and State Representatives Christine Scanlan (D-Summit County) and Carole Murray (R-Douglas County) will introduce bi-partisan legislation next week that would provide more support for teachers and principals and ensure that the teachers and principals whom we rely on to educate our children are effective.

The need for this legislation couldn’t be more urgent. Almost 50% of Denver area high school students don’t graduate on time. Statewide, it’s approximately one in four.

Crucial votes in the Colorado legislature will happen very soon, and adult-focused interests are working hard to defeat it. Children don’t have the power to pass this critically important legislation, but, together, we do. If each of us – concerned parents, educators, and Coloradans – does our small part, we can achieve long overdue change for Colorado children.

Ready to do your part? Click here.

Thank you for acting today.

Standing with you for Colorado children,

Lindsay Neil
Colorado Executive Director

P.S. – Fired up and ready to do a little more? Forward this e-mail to five friends and encourage them to support the bill too. Thanks again for doing your part to ensure our children have the great teachers and principals they need and deserve.

Colorado lost out on the first round of the federal education grant competition “Race to the Top,” (see article here) but they are still in the running to receive $175 million dollars if they reapply for the second round and win. However, Governor Bill Ritter is frustrated with the initial results from the competition and is debating on whether or not Colorado should reapply. Although it would take time and resources to do so, shouldn’t Colorado take the next step in receiving millions of dollars for education reform?

Read the NY Times article below to learn further about this topic.

States Skeptical About ‘Race to Top’ School Aid Contest by Sam Dillon

A dozen governors, led by Bill Ritter Jr. of Colorado, sat with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in a hotel ballroom in Washington a few weeks back, praising his vision and gushing with enthusiasm over a $4 billion grant competition they hoped could land their states a jackpot of hundreds of millions of dollars.

continue reading full article here

It looks like the answer to that is an overwhelming YES! There were over 10,000 choice applicants for the 2009-2010 school year and 38,000 children on wait lists for charter schools statewide. Read Jeremy Meyer’s article below to get the scoop!

Demand in charter schools forces lotteries, long waiting lists

Alma Meraz’s eyes welled when her daughter’s name was pulled from a cookie jar during an enrollment lottery for the high-performing West Denver Prep charter school.

“I’m so happy,” said Meraz, who cleans houses for a living. “I need her to go to this school for better opportunities. For a better life.”

West Denver Prep — which some parents have come to view as a first step toward college and possibly a lifeline out of poverty — is rated the second-best school in Denver.

The school’s college-preparatory curriculum and swift interventions for struggling students have been touted for helping at- risk kids beat the academic odds. West Denver Prep now posts some of the best academic growth in the state.

The middle school also draws nearly double the number of applicants it can seat, meaning waiting lists are long and disappointments high during the annual school- choice enrollment period.

It’s a scenario played out across the state each winter, as parents battle to get their kids into popular, high-performing schools during the choice period.

The Colorado Department of Education estimates about 38,000 children are waiting to get into Colorado charter schools. One such school, Classical Academy in Colorado Springs, has 7,800 students on its wait list.

School choice, enacted in Colorado in the early 1990s, remains controversial. The system was designed to encourage districts to improve all of their schools and build programs tailored to student desires.

It also created winners and losers.

Winning schools, with high academic growth and test scores, tend to draw a flood of applicants, leading to lotteries and waiting lists.

Schools on the other end of the performance spectrum face declining enrollments and often calls for closure.

The federal government is spearheading a movement to close the lowest-performing charter schools and implement turnaround strategies for district-run schools.

At a recent meeting in Jefferson County, residents demanded that the district eliminate choice and focus on improving neighborhood schools. But choice is a state law and is supported by the federal government.

And if the number of kids on waiting lists is any proof, parents want the freedom to choose.

About 220 families applied for 120 spaces in West Denver Prep’s fall sixth-grade classes on the South Federal Boulevard campus. About 200 families applied for 120 spots at West Denver Prep’s Harvey Park campus.

Valerie Espinoza, a 10-year-old who is in fifth grade at Castro Elementary, cried after seven of her classmates were chosen during the enrollment lottery last week. Her name was No. 207 — impossibly far down the wait list, said Chris Gibbons, head of the school.

Last year, the school had at least 50 students on a waiting list.

“We’d love to be able to have more families in,” Gibbons said. “That’s why we are opening more schools.”

Two more West Denver Prep campuses will open in the fall in northwest Denver. Both already have received as many applications as spaces.

Denver Public Schools this year has 1,812 students on waiting lists for all but three of its charter schools.

It’s not just charters that are turning away students. Denver’s high-performing traditional schools, such as Bromwell, Denver School of the Arts and Academia Ana Marie Sandoval, are in high demand.

For the 2009-10 school year, DPS received 10,539 choice applications. Of those, 8,013 students got into their first-choice school.

The remaining 24 percent either went to neighborhood schools; attended their second-, third- or fourth- choice schools; enrolled in charter schools; or left the district altogether.

“It makes clear how deeply parents care about having good choices for their students,” said Superintendent Tom Boasberg, who has led an effort to bring more options to the district.

Soon, DPS will put out a call for proposals for new schools, seeking more charters or performance schools that will draw students and lift achievement. Last year, the school board approved 11 new schools.

Denver School of Science & Technology — which will be opening four new schools — is currently the district’s top school, according to DPS’s annual scorecard. Last month, the high school received about 700 applications for 140 slots for next fall’s ninth-grade classes.

“They are coming from all over the city, all incomes,” said Bill Kurtz, head of school.

Nevertheless, the demand for some schools and the neglect of others reveals a chasm in public education, said Katie Holz-Russell, principal of West Denver Prep’s Federal campus.

“I feel it should be a given that a kid can wake up on his fifth-grade graduation day and know that he is going to go to a great school next year,” she said. “The great injustice is that simply is not the case. I’m reminded of that when we stand here in a lottery.”

Jeremy P. Meyer: 303-954-1367 or jpmeyer@denverpost.com

Numbers

10,539Students who applied for choice schools in Denver Public Schools for the 2009-10 year

8,013Students who got their first choice

38,000Students on waiting lists for charter schools statewide, including 7,800 for Classical Academy in Colorado Springs and 1,812 in DPS