Episode Details

 Story 1: Community Engagement Sessions to Review Enrollment Boundaries and Zones

DPS is continuing to host community engagement sessions in every region in September to learn more about what communities value as DPS reviews enrollment boundaries and zones.

You can attend one of four remaining engagement sessions. The remaining meetings are being held on the following dates from 6-8 p.m.  

• Thursday, Sept. 10, 6-8 p.m. at Lincoln High School
• Monday, Sept. 14, 6-8 p.m. at Northfield High School
• Tuesday, Sept. 22, 6-8 p.m. at CEC Early College
• Thursday, Sept. 24, 6-8 p.m. at Bruce Randolph School

Food and childcare will be provided at all sessions. Please register via the link in our show notes before attending. 

Story 2: Addressing Significant Disproportionality in DPS

Denver Public Schools has been placed under an Action Plan by the Colorado Department of Education for IDEA Significant Disproportionality.

Compared to Their Other Race Peers:

• Asian students with Individualized Education Plans, or IEPs, are more than twice as likely to spend less than 40% of the day in general education settings.
• Black students with IEPs are more than twice as likely to receive out-of-school suspensions.

There is an opportunity for involvement as we improve. Join the Significant Disproportionality Action Committee to lead districtwide initiatives targeting the root causes affecting equitable placement decisions for Asian students and discipline for Black students.

The Subcommittee will focus on: 

• Professional Learning: Develop professional learning for staff across DPS on cultural/linguistic factors and school behavior responses.
• Policy and Procedures: Create and revise policies, procedures and practices regarding cultural/linguistic frameworks and discipline.
• Systems and Resources: Research assessments and assessment practices for MLL students and establish cultural liaisons.
• Student Outcome Improvement: Improve district tools for teachers to elevate the quality and implementation of IEPs and actionable Behavioral Improvement Plans (BIPs).

Are you are interested in driving change? Complete the Action Committee interest form linked in the show notes. 

Story 3:  Guidance for Requesting Interpretation and Translation Services  

DPS is proud to serve over 36,000 multilingual learners who speak 193 different languages, creating a vibrant and diverse learning community. Our goal is to ensure that all families feel welcomed, valued and empowered to engage with and shape our system. School based staff are able to request Interpretations and translations services for school functions and community events. These services must be requested at least 10 business days (meaning Monday through Friday) prior to the meeting, event or deadline. DPS staff can access the DPS Interpretation and Translation