ERIC Number: ED558119
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2014-Feb-5
Pages: 29
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Beyond Averages: School Quality in Denver Public Schools
Ooms, Alexander
Donnell-Kay Foundation
Since 2009, academic outcomes for students in Denver Public Schools (DPS) have slowly improved. The primary mechanism for increasing academic performance lies within the district's schools, and on an aggregate level Denver has seen a substantial rise in both the number of quality schools and the percentage of students they serve. Every child deserves to attend a quality school, and while there is still much work to be done, the past five years have demonstrated encouraging progress. "Beyond Averages: School Quality in Denver Public Schools," examines the past five years of performance in three disparate groups of schools: those closed or slated for closure ("closing schools"), those newly formed ("new schools"), and those that fall into neither category ("continuing schools"). Within these three school groups, we also assess criteria around governance models, student demographics, and grade levels. Based on our analysis we conclude with specific recommendations for the district and Denver's Board of Education to build on a growing foundation of progress. Every child deserves to attend a quality school, and if the district focuses on the right strategies, more children will soon have that opportunity. Two appendices include: (1) Flaws in the SPF: The Curious Case of East High School; and (2) List of Schools.
Descriptors: Educational Quality, School Effectiveness, Public Schools, Outcomes of Education, School Closing, Educational Improvement, School Districts, Governance, Educational Innovation, Case Studies
Donnell-Kay Foundation. 730 17th Street Suite 950, Denver, CO 80202. Tel: 720-932-1544; Fax: 303-534-5785; Web site: http://www.dkfoundation.org
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Donnell-Kay Foundation
Identifiers - Location: Colorado
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A