Education
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 […]