Scholarship Tax Credits Could Help Denver, Aurora HS Students Overcome Challenges

by Eddie | 11:05 am, April 12, 2013

For those who long have rolled up their sleeves to try to improve student learning, the cause of urban high school reform remains one of the most daunting tasks. Even in areas where the most concentrated and sustained efforts at reform have taken place, the promising results have been very limited. Enter a brand new [...]

Indiana Supreme Court Ruling a True, Lasting March Madness Victory for Kids

by Eddie | 11:45 am, March 26, 2013

Update, 3/27: For more perspective on the magnitude of yesterday’s court victory, read this redefinED commentary by Institute for Justice attorney Bert Gall, who argued the Indiana case. I’m feeling just a little jealous of Indiana today. Just a little now–this is Colorado after all. I’m not talking about the fact that the Hoosiers made [...]

Big SB 213 School Finance Bill Hearing Keeps Me Watching, Brings Out Questions

by Eddie | 12:32 pm, March 19, 2013

When it comes to the world of K-12 education in Colorado — you know, what keeps my little eyes busy watching — today (this week!) is all consumed in the political debates over Senate Bill 213, the big school finance overhaul tied to a billion dollar tax increase. So I invite you to follow the [...]

Open Window on Bargaining: As Thompson Moves Ahead, Teachers Express Support

by Eddie | 3:41 pm, March 7, 2013

You can’t judge a book by its cover. There are many expressions like this one out there that convey a basic piece of wisdom. A beautiful building you may have driven by many times could be a filthy mess inside. How do you know? If it’s somebody’s house or private property, they would have to [...]

Hip KIPP, Hooray! Major Research Shows Big Learning Gains for Challenged Students

by Eddie | 6:00 pm, February 27, 2013

A powerful research report released today from a big study confirms what anyone paying attention to the urban charter school movement already should have noticed. KIPP produces big gains for students: KIPP middle schoolers learn significantly more than comparison students, concludes a report by Mathematica Policy Research on 43 schools in 13 states plus the [...]

Rhee’s “Radical” Book Sparks Renewed Interest in Her Support of Choice

by Eddie | 4:37 pm, February 5, 2013

You can forgive a blogger if once in awhile he decides to rehash a little old news, can’t you? Especially if he’s a cute little kid like yours truly? Anyway, long-time readers may be aware of my longtime edu-crush on former DC Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee. You also may recall how excited I was to [...]

PBS Features Rocketship Education Charter Expansion, Continuing Innovation

by Eddie | 12:59 pm, January 3, 2013

“Nobody has figured out how to mass produce high-quality, cost-effective schools,” PBS correspondent John Merrow explained on a televised feature last week about the successful Rocketship Education public charter school network. Thanks to Joanne Jacobs for bringing to my attention the interesting 9-minute video about how to replicate an innovative and successful education model:

The piece [...]

Denver’s Rocky Mountain Prep Opens Door to Cutting-Edge Learning Success

by Eddie | 11:13 am, December 20, 2012

Last week a couple of my Education Policy Center friends had the privilege of visiting an innovative Denver charter school that’s serving kids close to my age: Rocky Mountain Prep. This new school is following in the footsteps of successful forebears that serve high-need student populations — placing a foundational emphasis on high expectations with [...]

Colorado School Grades Website Returns to Inform Parents for Second Year

by Eddie | 5:13 pm, December 18, 2012

Can you believe it’s been a whole year since the launch of the Colorado School Grades website? My friends at the Independence Institute are proud to be one of the 18 sponsoring partners of this helpful resource.
The passing of 12 months means a whole new set of data, and a lot of curious parents searching [...]

Believe It! NPR Shows How K-12 Policy Can Lead to Sugary-Sweet Goodness

by Eddie | 3:28 pm, December 7, 2012

Stop nagging me! Yes, it’s true I haven’t added much to the blog this week. Too much time making my Christmas list for Santa… up to 30 pages so far. Now it’s Friday and I’m tired. But I couldn’t retire into the weekend without at least a nod to something education-related here.
National Public Radio did [...]

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