Education
School backpack overload: Heavy bags can strain kids’ bodies
Backpacks can be fashionable and functional, but they can also be too heavy — weighed down by digital devices, musical instruments, sports equipment and more. Some kids carry home a laptop or tablet and textbooks, too. It’s good to be prepared, but kids who walk to school or participate in extracurricular activities may be lugging […]
At colleges, the AI boom means everyone wants to dabble in computer science
With no background in coding, Faith Maeba, a psychology major, was reluctant when her mother first suggested she enroll in classes on artificial intelligence. But the senior at Virginia Commonwealth University began to see it differently as she looked into graduate psychology programs that explore human behavior in the workplace, which is quickly being upended […]
Colorado’s free preschool faces calls for higher quality standards
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. DENVER | Colorado’s free preschool program has been popular with families since it launched three years ago, but state leaders need to raise the bar on quality. That finding from a state-mandated evaluation of the $349 million program echoes concerns long raised by advocates that universal preschool started […]
Colorado’s free preschool faces calls for higher quality standards
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. DENVER | Colorado’s free preschool program has been popular with families since it launched three years ago, but state leaders need to raise the bar on quality. That finding from a state-mandated evaluation of the $349 million program echoes concerns long raised by advocates that universal preschool started […]
Colorado climbs to top education spot amid ongoing literacy challenges
This story was produced as part of the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. It first appeared at coloradosun.com. DENVER | Colorado has been named the top state for education by U.S. News & World Report, despite more than half of students in fourth and eighth grades — critical testing years — falling short of reading proficiently and […]
EMAIL TRAIL: How Riverstone Academy became Colorado’s first publicly funded religious school
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. DENVER | When the leaders of a new elementary school applied for a four-digit public school code from the Colorado Department of Education last summer, they didn’t mention a key detail: The school would be religious. Instead, they said Riverstone Academy would offer traditional academics and trade-themed electives. […]
Supporters launch campaign for Colorado Proposition NN to boost school funding
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. DENVER | This time will be different. At least that’s the hope of supporters of Proposition NN, a ballot measure to raise funding for schools. They launched a statewide “yes” campaign on Friday to raise support for the measure. The November ballot measure represents the fifth attempt in […]
Aurora teacher of the year semi-finalist inspires students to learn, win and pass it on
AURORA | For Viviana Martinez, teaching has never been just about helping her students learn Spanish or English. It’s about helping young people understand who they are, where they come from and what responsibilities come with opportunities. Her philosophy is simple. “Passing the good on,” Viviana said in an interview last week with the Sentinel. […]
Pikes Peak State College exit threatens controversial ERBOCES co-op
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. DENVER | A controversial public education co-op that spearheaded a “public Christian school” in southern Colorado last year will lose a member in August, putting its existence in jeopardy for the second time this summer. Pikes Peak State College will withdraw from the co-op — Education reEnvisioned Board […]
Millions in the US never finished college. With targeted help, reenrollments are ticking up
WASHINGTON | After several deaths in her family and an eviction that left her homeless, Jevona Anderson’s life began to unravel. By 2025, Anderson — then 59 and nearing completion of her bachelor’s degree — was failing classes and falling behind on bills. Eventually, she dropped out, joining a growing group of students who have […]