Board of Education

Regional Recommendations

4-Nov-10

Denver Public Schools 1

Agenda

A. Summary of Topics
B. FNE Regional Recommendations
1. Community Engagement Efforts
2. FNE Recommendations
C. NNE Regional Recommendations
1. Community Engagement Efforts
2. NNE Recommendations
D. NW Regional Recommendations
1. Community Engagement Efforts
2. NW Recommendations
E. SE Regional Recommendations
1. Community Engagement Efforts
2. SE Recommendations
F. Summary of Staff Recommendations

Denver Public Schools 2

Summary of Topics
FNE NNE NW SE
Turnarounds Ford
Green Valley
McGlone
Oakland
Noel
Montbello
Facility SOAR II (E-5) UPrep (K-5) WDP at Highlands
Placement/ KIPP (5-8) DSST (6-12) (6-8)
Co-locations DCIS (E-5) MPC3
DCIS (6-12)
Charter Pioneer
Renewals Wyatt-Edison
Odyssey
New School Independence High
Applications (9-12)
Other Enrollment Zone Enrollment Zone Manny Martinez Continuation of
ECE Center Center for Early
Education

Denver Public Schools 3

FNE Regional Decisions

Decision Type Schools – Recommendation

Turnaround •Ford – Replace with DCIS (ECE-5)
•Green Valley – Turnaround
•McGlone – Turnaround
•Oakland – Replace with SOAR II (ECE-5)
•Noel :
•Continue Transformation plan for 7th and 8th graders with full academic, athletic
and extracurricular programs.
•Open an Arts Program (6-12)
•Co-locate KIPP (5-8)
•Montbello
•Continue Transformation plan for 10th – 12th graders with full academic, athletic
and extracurricular programs.
•Open a Collegiate Prep Academy (9-12)
•Co-locate DCIS (6-12)
•Open High Tech Early College 9-12 (incubate at Evie Dennis Campus for 2011)
Facility Placement See Above
Charter Renewals None
New School Apps Independence High (9-12) – Deny
Other •Enrollment Zone
•ECE Center 4
Far Northeast Community Committee (FNECC) Process
• Call to schools and community to form committee last Spring. Formed 47 member
committee comprised of:
– Parents from every school in the FNE region
– Teacher, Principals and Students from FNE elementary, middle and high
schools
– Community members representing diverse constituencies
– 3 Board Members
• Committee met five times in the Spring of 2010 to develop its principles for
schools in the FNE
– Principles informed board decision in June 2010 on which schools to approve
for location in the FNE (FNECC principles are attached as an appendix to this
presentation)
• Committee met five time in the Fall of 2010 to review options for individual
schools, a region-wide scenario, and gather input from an all-community meeting
– Committee heard alternative proposals for the FNE region
• Committee prepared final report on benefits and challenges it identified for the
proposed regional scenario and key implementation criteria for any approved plan
• For more information, please visit fneccschools.org where all materials are
available in English and Spanish
Denver Public Schools 5
FNE Charge Alignment

1. Improve academic performance

– Turnaround or replace 6 lowest performing schools in FNE---entire Montbello feeder
pattern
2. Establish clear ECE-12 feeder patterns
– Elementary: All Elementary schools will be neighborhood schools
– Secondary: Enrollment Zone to give greater choice across the region
• MS Options (11 total, 4 new): Noel, Greenwood, Howell, NEAC, MLK, Pitt-Waller, Omar
D. Blair, DSST, DCIS, KIPP, Vista
• HS Options (7 total, 5 new): Collegiate Prep Academy (Montbello), MLK, Noel, DCIS,
HTEC, DSST, Vista
3. Relieve school overcrowding
– Adding 2,400 seats over the next five years through this plan
– Using current bond money to design a new secondary (1,000 seats) and elementary school
(700 seats) in the FNE. Full Construction depends on success of future bond offerings.

6
FNE Charge Alignment (cont’d)

4. Rethink program offerings at existing schools including high school

configuration
– Right-sizing Noel and adding grades 9-12
– Right-sizing Montbello
– Introducing International Studies, Science & Technology, Arts program, Collegiate
Prep Academy, and High-Tech Early College
5. Consider options for new schools
– Adding SOAR II, KIPP, DCIS, High-Tech Early College, Noel (Arts program)
6. Review strategies to meet the needs of English Language Learners
– Improving ELL services at all levels
– Providing native language support at secondary schools
– MLK, one of two schools, participating as a pilot school in $25 million grant
program to provide improved literacy strategies for ELL students

7
Summary of FNE Regional Impact: Increased Capacity and Choice

• 20% increase in Seats

• Approximately 80% in
district-run schools/
20% in charter schools

• Doubling of middle
school options
• More than doubling of
high school options
8
Summary of Feedback from Community

Suggestions/Concerns DPS Commitment

Creation of an inclusive Establish implementation steering committee including
stakeholders oversight parents, community, teachers, school leaders, students,
committee business and non-profit organizations
Identify single leader for Executive Director of FNE turnaround will be housed in FNE
FNE efforts
Concern about phasing Incubate High Tech Early College at Evie Dennis Campus for
in multiple schools at the first year
Montbello campus at
once
Concern about Campus manager at Montbello campus to ensure
coordination of multiple consistent agreements on sharing and campus culture with
leaders in single campus multiple school leaders
Parent involvement and Build out of parent/community involvement center at
communication Montbello campus to support all FNE parents (not just
Montbello campus parents). Consider offering parent s
post secondary education training classes as well as
creating a variety of volunteer opportunities for parents.
Summary of Feedback from Community
Suggestions/Concerns
Ensure all students have pre-collegiate
opportunities
Tutoring center for all programs at
Montbello Campus
Equal resources for all students
Denver Public Schools
DPS Commitment
All high school programs will provide pre-
collegiate curriculum and opportunities
for all students to take college courses
and pursue an associates degree in high
school. Will include focus on college prep
in grade 9 and support in college
application and scholarship search
process.
Ensure center serves as resource for all
students at Montbello campus
All existing students will receive same
level of support as provided by new
programs (i.e. extended learning, etc)
10
FNE Regional Decisions – Ford Elementary

Recommendation: Replace with DCIS (ECE-5)

• Two year phase-in plan:
– Year one: DCIS serves grades ECE-2 and Ford serves grades 3-4
– Year two: DCIS serves grades ECE-5
• DCIS will serve Ford’s existing boundary
Rationale: Ford has had declining performance the last three years and is the lowest
performing school in the FNE
07-08 08-09 09-10
SPF Rating 42% 35% 25%
• DCIS is a research-based model proven to be successful in meeting the needs of
diverse learners.
• DCIS has demonstrated community support in FNE through the new school
approval process.

Denver Public Schools 11

FNE Regional Decisions – Green Valley Elementary

Recommendation: Turnaround
• New leader will be hired for 2011-2012 school year
• New staff will be hired for 2011-2012 school year. Existing staff will have an
opportunity to apply for these positions.

Rationale: Green Valley has had consistently low academic performance and is in the
bottom 10% of all schools
07-08 08-09 09-10
SPF Rating 27% 32% 35%

• Turnaround will provide the school with the best chance to improve its
performance by assembling a committed team aligned with a single vision for
improving outcomes for students

Denver Public Schools 12

FNE Regional Decisions – McGlone Elementary

Recommendation: Turnaround
• Recently hired leader, Candace Reese, will lead school in its turnaround efforts
• New staff will be hired for 2011-2012 school year. Existing staff will have an
opportunity to apply for these positions.

Rationale: McGlone has had consistently low academic performance and is in the
bottom 10% of all schools
07-08 08-09 09-10
SPF Rating 30% 33% 33%

• Turnaround will provide the school with the best chance to improve its
performance by assembling a committed team aligned with a single vision for
improving outcomes for students

Denver Public Schools 13

FNE Regional Decisions – Oakland Elementary

Recommendation: Replace with SOAR II (ECE-5)

• Two year phase-in plan:
– Year one: DCIS serves grades ECE-2 and Oakland serves grades 3-4
– Year two: DCIS serves grades ECE-5
• SOAR II will serve Oakland’s existing boundary
Rationale: Oakland has had declining performance the last three years and is the
second lowest performing school in the FNE
07-08 08-09 09-10
SPF Rating 31% 29% 26%
• SOAR II is a research-based model proven to be successful in meeting the needs of
diverse learners.
• SOAR II has demonstrated community support in FNE through the new school
approval process.

Denver Public Schools 14

FNE Regional Decisions – Noel Campus

Recommendation:
• Continue Transformation plan for 7th and 8th graders with full academic, athletic
and extracurricular programs.
• Open a 6-12 Arts Program with 100 students per grade
• Co-locate KIPP (5-8)
Rationale: Noel has had consistently low academic performance and is the second
lowest rated middle school in the city
07-08 08-09 09-10
SPF Rating 24% 30% 27%
• Reducing number of students per grade ensures more targeted support for
individual students
• Arts program caters to student and community interest in FNE as well as provides
additional program options for students at middle school and high school levels.
• KIPP is a research based model which has proven to be effective with minority
students and students from low-income families. KIPP has demonstrated FNE
community support through the new school approval process.
Denver Public Schools 15
FNE Regional Decisions – Montbello Campus
Recommendation:
• Continue Transformation plan for 10th – 12th graders with full academic, athletic
and extracurricular programs.
• Open a 9-12 Collegiate Prep Academy with 150-200 students per grade
• Co-locate DCIS (6-12)
• Open High-Tech Early College (HTEC);incubate at Evie Dennis Campus for 2011
Rationale: Montbello has had declining academic performance and is the lowest rated
comprehensive high school in the city
07-08 08-09 09-10
SPF Rating 45% 41% 30%
• Reducing number of students per grade ensures more targeted support for
individual students.
• DCIS is a research-based model proven to be successful in meeting the needs of
diverse learners.
• High-Tech Early College provides an additional option for FNE students interested
in a program which prepares them for success in college.

Denver Public Schools 16

Historical Turnaround Efforts at Montbello

10 years of efforts to improve Montbello:

–Over the past nine years, Montbello has received $6.7 million to
upgrade and maintain its facility
–From 2000 to 2008, the computer magnet program received $5.4
million in support
–Small Schools Grant of $1.3 million dollars from 2008 to 2012 to
support small learning communities, college courses, tutoring,
parental/community involvement, professional development, Math
Facilitator, and increased AP Courses
–Turnaround intervention grant of $ $1.1 million per year
beginning this year to support extended learning time, staffing of
Dean of Instruction and Communications Specialist,
implementation of Professional Learning Communities

Denver Public Schools 17

Communication with and Support for Teachers during FNECC Process
• For the six identified schools, staff meetings were held:
– To discuss the process prior to the first Fall meeting on September 1 st,
– To discuss the proposed regional scenario prior to its presentation to the
committee on September 28th,
– To review the potential implications of the scenario with HR support in the last
week of October and the first week of November.
• In addition, staff was invited to attend the FNE meetings as community members and
many did.
• Next Steps Pending Board of Education Decision:
– School-based meetings with staff at impacted schools to review implications
– Teachers who are impacted are guaranteed two interviews for positions for which
they are qualified.
• DPS will also be providing interviewing and resume writing support for these
teachers.
• When the staffing cycle begins in mid-February, the teachers will have full
access to all postings.
• DPS will also likely be holding a job fair in the Spring of 2011 to help facilitate
the placement of teachers at schools who are hiring.

Denver Public Schools 18

 FNE Regional Decisions – Enrollment Zone
What is the FNE Enrollment Zone
for Secondary Schools?
Why do we need an Enrollment
Zone?
What do parents/students have to
do?
Which schools are included in the
FNE enrollment zone in 2010-
2011?
Can parents/students choose
schools outside of the FNE?
What about transportation?
How will this be communicated?
Beginning next year, school attendance boundaries at the secondary
level will phase out and a single FNE enrollment zone will phase in.
At the 6th and 9th grade levels, each parent/student will choose their
school option for the 11-12 school year.
To ensure students have equal access to FNE middle schools at 6th
grade and high schools at 9th grade.
In January 2011, every FNE 5th and 8th grader will rank their FNE
school choices to determine where they will go in 6th or 9th grade.
Grade 6: MLK, Noel, DCIS, DSST
Grade 9: Collegiate Prep Academy, High-Tech Early College, MLK, Noel,
DCIS, DSST
Yes. Parents/students can still choose other DPS schools through the
regular choice process.
A shuttle service will be provided for FNE secondary schools. (DPS
yellow school bus shuttle, not RTD)
Beginning in November, there will be extensive outreach to parents
and the community. Choice liaisons will work with FNE parents to
ensure every student has the opportunity to make an informed choice.
Denver Public Schools 19
 FNE Regional Decisions – Build Early Childhood Education Center

• Overview
• Phase I of new Early Childhood Education Center (“ECE”) will
provide up to 300 additional ECE and Kindergarten seats for
immediate use beginning Fall 2011. Students will come from
regional elementary schools in the FNE region and help relieve
overcrowding at those elementary schools
• Design/Builder approved in October 2010; project proceeding

Denver Public Schools 20

FNE Turnaround Funding Sources

While needs continue to be fully defined, significant sources of funding are available
to support the basic programmatic needs for the FNE schools involved in the
turnaround efforts as well as provide additional turnaround support resources.
• All schools will receive Student-based funding (SBB) which are expected to be sufficient to
support the basic programmatic needs for the projected volume of students.
• In addition, there are some additional funds already available or may be available including:
– TIG (Federal 1003G) funds already secured for Montbello ($1,000,000) & Noel ($750,000)
annually over the next 2 years.
– TIG (Federal 1003G) funds may be available for the 4 elementary schools (range estimated at
up to $250,000/school per year; up to $1,000,000 annually)
– Availability beginning in FY12 of school start-up/turnaround funds previously allocated to
CASA, Trevista & Place Bridge Academy ($900,000)
– Grant funding from the Walton Family Foundation available for innovation schools should any
of these schools seek innovation status (up to $300,000 per school).
– Mill Levy funding for new school start-up available for new, non-charter programs (available
funding is $400,000 per year).
– General Obligation Bond (GOB) capital funding allocated for new schools and school co-
locations available for both 2011 and 2012 sufficient to meet expected facility needs.
– Will explore additional grant funding sources as well
Charter Applicant - Independence High School

School Type Charter

Charter Request 1 school to open in FNE in Fall 2011

Description A holistic alternative high school offering three CTE pathways
Grades 9-12

Enrollment 200 at full enrollment

ART Analysis Unfavorable due to concerns about financial viability, start-up
capacity, and education plan
Superintendent Deny
Recommendation
Independence High School – Rationale for Recommendation
Proposal Element Rating Detail
Financial Plan Does not meet •Significantly underestimated many expenses
standards •Incorrectly budgeted or omitted key items
•Booking projected surplus as operating revenue resulting in
an annual deficit starting in Year 4 or 5
Start-up Capacity Does not meet •No staff budgeted for planning year to drive start-up
standards •School leaders not projected to start until May
•Marketing/outreach and student recruitment not projected to
start until late February
•Inadequate marketing and outreach plan
Education Plan Partially meets •The applicant has generally selected research-based
standards curriculum, assessments, and intervention programs (some
concerns about math and writing).
•The proposed services to ELL and SPED are understaffed
•The applicant has a good plan for skill/building and
remediation but does not have an adequate plan for credit
recovery/acceleration which is crucial for this population
•Concerns about projected attrition (35-50%) and graduation
rate (10-15%)
Community Support Partially meets •Strong partnership with the Carpenters Union
standards •30+ letters of support from community organizations and
members
•Concerns about ability/lack of plan to make enrollment
projections
Board Meets standards •Applicant has a strong and developed board
NNE Regional Decisions

Decision Type Schools - Recommendation

Turnaround None
Facility Placement •University Prep – Crofton facility
•DSST III – Co-locate at Cole & Mitchell
•Multiple Pathways Center – Wyman facility
Charter Renewals •Pioneer Meets Expectations – Renew for 3 years
•Wyatt-Edison Meets Expectations – Renew for 5 years
•Odyssey Meets Expectations – Renew for 5 years
New School Applications None
Other •Regional Enrollment Zone

24
NNE Community Engagement

• What did we do?

– Near Northeast Community Committee
• Conducted first two meetings of a longer-term process
• Developed Principles and Benefits and Challenges of DPS proposal
• Discussed the agenda for Spring/Fall engagement
• What did we hear?
– Strong interest in new transportation shuttle
– Strong desire for level playing field across schools
– Build and strengthen Manual feeder pattern
• How did it influence our recommendation?
– Confirmed interest and benefits of new transportation shuttle
– Informed design of enrollment zone process
• Next Steps:
– Continue process with Near Northeast Community Committee this Spring and next
Fall to discuss options for strengthening Manual feeder pattern

Denver Public Schools 25

NNE Regional Decisions – Pioneer Charter Renewal
Overview:
• ECE-6 – 360 students
• 92% FRL, 75.4% ELL, 8% SPED
• SPF rating – Meets Expectations

Recommendation:
• Renew Pioneer’s Charter for 3 years

Rationale: Pioneer is rated as Meets Expectations on the SPF and has demonstrated
improving performance.

07-08 08-09 09-10

SPF Rating 49% 43% 59%

Denver Public Schools 26

NNE Regional Decisions – Odyssey Charter Renewal
Overview:
• K-8 – 226 students
• 34.2% FRL, 1.3% ELL, 5.8% SPED
• SPF rating – Meets Expectations

Recommendation:
• Renew Odyssey’s Charter for 5 years
• Renewal is conditional on the school’s development and implementation of an
outreach and recruitment plan to ensure that it provides greater access to all
students including students with special needs and English Language Learners.

Rationale: Odyssey is rated as Meets Expectations on the SPF and has demonstrated
consistent performance.

07-08 08-09 09-10

SPF Rating 77% 70% 72%

Denver Public Schools 27

NNE Regional Decisions – Wyatt Edison Charter Renewal
Overview:
• K-8 – 677 students
• 88.6% FRL, 40% ELL, 8.1% SPED
• SPF rating – Meets Expectations

Recommendation:
• Renew Wyatt Edison’s Charter for 5 years

Rationale: Wyatt Edison is rated as Meets Expectations on the SPF and has
demonstrated consistent performance.

07-08 08-09 09-10

SPF Rating 52% 60% 57%

Denver Public Schools 28

 NNE Regional Decisions – Location of DSST III
• Overview
• DSST III has been approved to open a 6-12 school in the NNE.
• Cole is currently a K-8 school in the NNE.
• Recommendation
• Locate DSST III at Cole beginning with a 6th grade next year. Beginning 2014, DSST III 9th
grade to be placed at Mitchell, which is immediately adjacent to Cole. At full build out,
Mitchell would house DSST III’s 9-12 program.
• DSST III will participate in the NNE enrollment zone and will guarantee seats to all Cole
5th graders with the remaining seats being open to all students. Extensive marketing and
outreach will be targeted for families and students in the NNE.
• Cole will remain a Title I School and will give 1st priority to Cole boundary residents and
2nd priority to NNE boundary residents.

School 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Cole K-5 & K-5 & K-5 K-5 K-5 K-5 K-5
7-8 8 (450)
DSST at Cole 6 6-7 6-8 6-8 6-8 6-8 6-8
DSST at 9 9-10 9-11 9-12
Mitchell Denver Public Schools
(900) 29
 NNE Regional Decisions – Enrollment Zone
What is the
NNE Enrollment Zone ?
Why do we need an Enrollment
Zone?
What do parents/students have to
do?
Which schools are included in the
enrollment zone for the 2011-12
school year?
Can parents/students choose
schools outside of NNE?
What about transportation?
How will this be communicated?
Beginning next year, school attendance boundaries at the secondary
level will phase out and a single NNE enrollment zone will phase in.
At the 6th grade level, each parent/student will choose their school
option for the 2011-12 school year.
To ensure students have equal access to NNE secondary schools at 6th
grade.
In January 2011, every transitioning NNE 5th grader will rank their
NNE school choices to determine where they will go for 6th grade.
Bruce Randolph and Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST)
Yes. Parents/students can still choose other DPS schools through the
regular Choice process.
A shuttle service will be provided for NNE. (DPS yellow school bus
shuttle, not RTD)
Beginning in November, there will be extensive outreach to parents
and the community. Choice liaisons will work with parents to ensure
every student has the opportunity to make an informed choice.
30
NW Regional Decisions

Decision Type Schools - Recommendation

Turnaround None
Facility Placement West Denver Prep At Harvey Park – Co-locate at North
Campus in the 1913 building
Charter Renewals None
New School None
Applications
Other Manny Martinez

31
Manny Martinez and West Community Engagement

• What did we do?

– Meeting with Manny Martinez and West Communities
• What did we hear?
– Concerns about losing 6th grade at West
– Importance of maintaining a strong West HS
• How did it influence our recommendation?
– Designed solution which allows for higher performing options for future 6th
graders
– Made commitment to a community led process to strengthen West and its
feeder pattern for 12/13 SY.
• Next Steps:
– Begin West community process to build strong feeder pattern for West HS

Denver Public Schools 32

West Regional Decisions – Manny Martinez
Overview:
• 6-8 220 students
• 96.2% FRL, 32.5% ELL, 12.9% SPED
• SPF rating – Accredited on Probation
Recommendation:
• Manny Martinez will not admit a 6th grade class in 2011 but will continue to serve
7-8th grade in 2011
• 6th graders in Manny Martinez boundary (25) will be guaranteed a seat at one of
the schools in the Lake boundary, Lake IB or West Denver Prep, and will be
provided transportation to the Lake campus
• Work with the West community to develop a community led process to strengthen
West and its feeder pattern for 12/13 SY.
Rationale: Manny Martinez is the lowest performing school in the district and is rated
as Accredited on Probation.
07-08 08-09 09-10
SPF Rating N/A N/A 5%

Denver Public Schools 33

Northwest Community Committee (NWCC) Update

• Northwest Community Committee is currently being formed, with the members to

be announced by December 2010
• The first meeting of the committee will be on December 7, 2010.
• The committee is expected to meet up to 10 times over the course of the next year
• The charges of the committee will include:
1. Improve academic performance
2. Establish clear ECE-12 feeder patterns
3. Support and inform the long-term future options at NHS
4. Address school capacity, facility utilization and continuity of programs
5. Address program offerings at existing schools including high school
configuration
6. Consider options for new schools
7. Review strategies to meet the needs of English language learners and students
with special needs
• The committee’s recommendations will inform any decisions made by the Board of
Education on schools in Northwest Denver

Denver Public Schools 34

SE Regional Decisions

Decision Type Schools – Recommendation

Turnaround None
Facility Placement None
Charter Renewals None
New School Applications None
Other Center for Early Education at Knight Facility – Allow
program to continue at current facility

35
SE Community Engagement

• What did we do?

– Met with parents, community members, and regional school principals
regarding the extension and expansion of the Center for Early Education
– Developed a set of benefits and challenges with the district’s proposal
– Discussed topics for Spring 2011 engagement
• What did we hear?
– Strong benefits of the Center for Early Education’s program and desire for
expansion
– Build on the success of the existing program
• How did it influence our recommendation?
– Confirmed interest and benefits of extending and expanding the Center for
Early Education
• Next Steps:
– Community engagement process around regional capacity, growth, developing
strong feeder patterns and new options including use of Byers facility

Denver Public Schools 36

 Summary – Recommendations
• Far Northeast
• Ford Elementary – Replace with DCIS (ECE-5)
• Green Valley Elementary – Turnaround
• McGlone Elementary – Turnaround
• Oakland Elementary – Replace with SOAR II
• Noel Campus:
•Continue Transformation plan for 7th and 8th graders with full academic, athletic and
extracurricular programs.
•Open an Arts Program (6-12)
•Co-locate KIPP (5-8)
• Montbello Campus:
•Continue Transformation plan for 10th – 12th graders with full academic, athletic and
extracurricular programs.
•Open a Collegiate Prep Academy (9-12)
•Co-locate DCIS (6-12)
•Open High Tech Early College (incubate at Evie Dennis Campus in 2011)
• Independence High School – Deny
• Implement Regional Enrollment Zone for 6th and 9th grades
• Open new 300-seat Early Childhood Center
Denver Public Schools 37
 Summary – Recommendations
• Near Northeast
• UPrep – Locate at Crofton facility
• MPC 3 – Locate at Wyman facility
• DSST III – Co-locate at Cole and then Mitchell
• Pioneer Charter – Renew for 3 years
• Wyatt-Edison Charter – Renew for 5 years
• Odyssey Charter – Renew for 5 years
• Implement Regional Enrollment Zone for 6th grade
• Northwest
• WDP III – Co-locate on North Campus in 1913 building
• Manny Martinez – in 2011, 6th graders attend Lake IB and/or WDP while school
continues to serve 7th and 8th graders, work with community to strengthen
West and its feeder patterns for 12/13 SY.
• Southeast
• Center for Early Education (Knight) – Continue CEE at Knight facility

Denver Public Schools 38

 Next Steps

• Continued Outreach Efforts

• Parent and community meetings over next several weeks at affected schools and in
affected communities
• Letters to all affected students and parents

• Public Comment Opportunities

• 11/8: Public comment
• 11/18: Public comment and Board vote on recommendations

• Post-Board Meeting
• Letters to all affected students and parents
• School-based meetings with students, parents, and staff
• Significant marketing and events for new enrollment zones to inform and educate
students and parents on new choices
• Choice liaisons to assist parents and students with new choices

Denver Public Schools 39

Appendix – FNECC Principles

1. Require new schools (charter or traditional) to serve all students – including those with special needs – and ensure there is
equality of access to program offerings across schools. (9, 10, 26, 27)
2. Identify what successful schools do well (proven practices and programs) and replicate to attract students, improve school
culture, and increase student achievement. (3, 7, 8, 10, 11)
3. Honor our community by enacting clearly defined school cultures that reflect each of our stated values: celebrating diversity,
promoting collaboration, establishing high expectations and rigorous programs, and holding all accountable for
performance. (1, 2, 20, 37)
4. Implement fresh ideas/ways to engage students in the school improvement process and the curriculum; create incentives
for schools to innovate and reward students and staff for high performance. (15, 29, 31)
5. Provide well considered and thoughtful plans to recruit, support, develop, and retain highly qualified, diverse (reflecting
diversity of community they serve) and effective teachers and leaders – including plans to retain proven leaders for stability’s
sake. (17, 19, 25)
6. Provide differentiated and effective professional development to teachers and leaders, including opportunities for them to
learn from one another through focused conversations about their work, to ensure high quality instruction, evaluation, and
intervention – and provide opportunities for teachers to develop relationships with community members and parents. (18)
7. Communicate clearly, broadly, and loudly the urgency to improve the quality of the community’s schools; similarly
communicate the schools’ successes. (33)
8. Promote a unified focus for all stakeholders on student learning, achievement and outcomes and articulate clear
expectations for all stakeholders of the genuine effort and commitment required for success. (4, 13)
9. Provide all students with a diverse range (to meet their diverse needs) of rigorous academic and extracurricular programs –
from ECE to grade 12 – proven to produce improved outcomes for both college- and career-bound students. (3, 7, 8, 10, 12,
19, 36, 37)
10. Require schools to have an accessible school/community liaison to engage community and establish standards for clear,
direct, and credible communication to FNE community (in English and Spanish) about all program options and services, and
student progress. (5, 6, 22, 23)

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Appendix – FNECC Principles (cont’d)

11. Provide quality evaluation and reliable data, with multiple measures – including value-added and comparative
ones – that are comprehensible to all, especially students. (14)
12. Challenge students, advising them to select rigorous academic programs, inspire and support the learning process,
and hold students accountable for their performance. (3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 27, 29, 34)
13. Create a regional plan for extracurricular programs to ensure all students have access to diverse offerings across
schools in academic, cultural and athletic activities. (28)
14. Require new school applicants to communicate to stakeholders a compelling and clear mission and vision – and
hold them accountable for achieving it. (24)
15. Provide plans for civic and community engagement, accessing civic organizations, businesses, and alumni
productively. (6, 32)
16. Provide services for families as incentives for their active participation in the work of the school, including
community activities, health services (if possible), and classes to empower parents to support the school’s work
and contribute positively to the partnership to improve student achievement. (21)
17. Ensure all students learn English well, providing proven programs, while also embracing language diversity. (2, 36)
18. Create new facilities and work with new schools proactively to assist them in finding their own facilities –
leveraging DPS partnerships with business community. (35)

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