Denver Public Schools Superintendent Michael Bennet released his “strategic plan” today that will overhaul the district’s curriculum.
According to the plan, DPS will become a center for English language instruction, focusing on Spanish. The plan also calls for high performance on state assessment tests for all Denver students, including Spanish speakers and special needs students.
It also proposes strengthening math and reading programs, and giving middle and high school students options for a longer school day. Principals’ roles will change from being administrative leaders to being instructional ones, they will be expected to spend more time in classrooms than their offices.
The superintendent also hopes to increase professional development for all teachers and principals in the next two years.
“We do not believe in programs or the latest fads,” the plan says in its introductory paragraphs. “We insist on the highest expectations for all students. In the end, this generation of Americans will be judged by how well we prepare the next generation, without regard to skin color, language, or socioeconomic class.”
Bennet and chief academic officer Jaime Aquino will present the plan to the school board Thursday, though they are meeting individually with all seven board members today.
