On any given day in Denver Public Schools, there is a ninth-grader who is deciding that he has fallen so far behind academically that he will not be returning to school.
There is a teacher trying to figure out how to teach algebra to students who can’t do grade-level math, and social studies instructors preparing history lessons for kids who can’t read.
Denver Public Schools Superintendent Michael Bennet used such imagery Thursday night to bring home the sense of urgency in his plan to revamp the struggling district.
A day after releasing his plan to the media and school board members, he and chief academic officer Jaime Aquino unveiled “The Denver Plan” to the public, outlining its rigorous strategies for developing principals who are leaders, teachers who are highly trained and a community that supports the district – all with the goal of raising student achievement.
Its components range from the progressive, such as a pay system for principals that rewards leadership, to what Aquino called “common sense,” such as making sure teachers have all the tools for teaching.
Eryn Osterhaus, a literacy coach at George Washington High School, said she sees “the making of greatness” in the plan because it includes elements such as extended instruction for struggling students. In the past, she said, budget cuts have limited students’ options by cutting courses and compromised safety by cutting security staff.
“I support what they’re doing as long as they put money in it,” she said. “That’s their accountability piece to us.”
Roger Kilgore, an engineer who lives in the Park Hill neighborhood, said that while the plan looks good, he is trying to determine whether it outlines real change in the district.
“Is this a fresh start?” he said. “I can’t tell.”
Newly installed board member Jill Conrad, who works with an organization that seeks to increase civic education in schools, said she likes that the plan includes social studies instruction at all grade levels.
Social studies instruction could also be used as a vehicle for reading, she said.
In other business, the board selected member Theresa Peña to serve as president and member Bruce Hoyt as vice president. It also recognized outgoing members Les Woodward and Elaine Gantz Berman and heard recommendations for early childhood education.
Staff writer Karen Rouse can be reached at 303-820-1684 or krouse@denverpost.com.
