The Denver Public Schools Podcast

DPS Snapshots with Natalie Brigham - Aug. 30

Denver Public Schools Season 2 Episode 2

DPS Snapshots Season 2 Episode #2

1. Colorado Measures of Academic Success Scores are Now Available  

Colorado Measures of Academic Success, better known as CMAS, measures student achievement and growth for Language Arts and Mathematics for all students in grades 3-8, and Science for those in grades 5, 8 and 11. 

Good news: Denver Public Schools students saw increases in overall CMAS scores in all three content areas evaluated. 

If you want to read more about the CMAS results, be sure to check out the full article on the DPS website. 

  • Compared to State Median Growth Percentiles, DPS students demonstrated equal or higher growth percentiles across all elementary and middle school content areas. 
  • High school Math Median Growth Percentiles increased overall and among all race/ethnicity groups, with an overall Median Growth Percentile of 47 (which is three points higher than the 2022-23 scores). 
  • Median Growth Percentiles for Black students increased at the high school level in both Literacy and Math AND exceeded the state's Median Growth Percentiles. Their Literacy Median growth percentile is 6 points higher than last year, and their Math Median Growth Percentile is seven points higher than the 2022-23 school year. 
  • Median Growth Percentiles for Native American/Alaskan Native students also increased among all grade levels and content areas. Even though this student group is small–there are fewer than 130 students in elementary/middle grades and 70 students in high school– they are mighty and their increases are notable. 
  • In Math, students with Individual Education Plans exceeded the growth average for the state, and in-program multilingual learners demonstrated equal growth to the state's average.

2. RSVP for the 2024 Black Excellence Summit

We are excited to invite families, staff, educators and friends of the DPS community to the 2024 Black Excellence Summit, a special event to celebrate and uplift Black Excellence within DPS. This summit offers professional development and learning opportunities for all, alongside a platform to honor achievements and advocate for even greater Black Excellence in our community. Additionally, there will be a resource fair with community partners who will provide opportunities to connect, share feedback and engage in meaningful conversations. 

Join us on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Education Building at University of Denver. We’ll link the RSVP form in the show notes!

3. Please RSVP for FACE University’s Virtual Learning for Families

FACE University is a resource and learning hub for families in the Denver community.  Register for the first live session titled , “Attendance- Every Day MATTERS! Tips, Tools and the Facts. ” The session will be held on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 5-6 p.m. Three lucky families who attend the first live session will be entered to win tickets to the Children’s Museum, Museum of Nature and Science and the Colorado History Museum!

Visit the FACE University Family Learning Hub webpage to see the full event calendar. You can also subscribe to their YouTube channel to access the recorded sessions. 

4. Six DPS Schools Receive ENERGY STAR Certification

The Sustainability Team announced that six schools earned ENERGY STAR certification fr