Category Archives: School Performance

The False Dawn of Denver’s School Performance

Posted on October 4, 2013 by axooms

Denver Public Schools has released their 2013 School Performance Framework (SPF). The summary is mixed — the distribution of performance has stretched, so there are more kids in both the highest-quality and the lowest-quality schools. When aggregated, the gains are … Continue reading →

Posted in Charter Schools, District Performance, Poverty, School Performance, Student Achievement | Tagged , | 4 Comments

How to Improve Denver’s School Performance Framework

Posted on September 13, 2013 by axooms

At some point very soon, DPS will issue its 2013 School Performance Framework (SPF). The SPF performs a valuable function by aggregating multiple metrics on school performance and presenting the data so that both parents can understand it at a … Continue reading →

Posted in District Performance, School Performance, Student Achievement | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Problem with Growth Scores

Posted on August 20, 2013 by axooms

Let’s start with something on which everyone should agree: metrics are neither inherently good nor inherently evil.  They are simply calculations — ticks on a stick that measure time, distance, speed, place, or other attributes.  All measurements can be used … Continue reading →

Posted in College and Career Preparation, District Performance, School Performance | 1 Comment

2013 School Performance in Denver

Posted on August 19, 2013 by axooms

TCAP data was released last week, and the focus in Denver was an emphasis on median growth percentiles. Now I think academic growth is really important, and I’m on record as saying the Colorado Growth Model is one of the most … Continue reading →

Posted in College and Career Preparation, District Performance, School Performance | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Indiana’s Accountability Mess: On Becoming A Monster

Posted on July 31, 2013 by axooms

Update 8/1: Since I published this piece, Bennett has resigned and Anne Hyslop at the New America Foundation has done the hard and invaluable work of checking the math. Original post follows: ————————————————————————–  The story that former Indiana Superintendent and … Continue reading →

Posted in Media, Politics, School Performance | 2 Comments

The Tragic Legacy of Rachel B. Noel

Posted on February 8, 2013 by axooms

This week marks the 40th anniversary of the landmark Keyes case, which was instrumental in desegregating the Denver school system. Colorado Public Radio’s enterprising Jenny Brundin has a brief but mesmerizing story that summarizes the case. Keyes was remarkable as it marked … Continue reading →

Posted in Engagement, Fiscal & Economic, Poverty, School Performance | Tagged | Leave a comment

High School Savior Syndrome

Posted on January 7, 2013 by axooms

A new day is dawning at North High School. Under the watchful eye of an experienced and proven principal, with the unwavering support of passionate teachers and coupled to galvanized support from many residents, North High is on a fresh … Continue reading →

Posted in Charter Schools, Facilities, Politics, School Performance | Tagged | Leave a comment