Oprah gave $6 million to six charter schools today. One of those is the Denver School of Science and Technology. Jim Griffin, President of the Colorado League of Charter Schools, issued a press release, stating in part, "Congratulations to the Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST) for being one of six charter school networks in the country to be awarded $1 Million from Oprah Winfrey’s Angel Network.”
“It’s no coincidence that DSST is receiving so much national attention. DSST consistently performs well above average in student performance, including student growth, CSAP proficiency and in student graduation and college acceptance rates, and it does so with a very diverse population of students including a large percentage of minority and low income children. DSST continues to make Colorado and the charter school movement proud as it serves as a model for quality charter school education time and time again.”
Griffin went on to applaud Oprah for her support of outstanding efforts in education by supporting quality charter schools.
One Oprah reader wasn't happy about Oprah's donation, criticizing her by saying, "You have always advocated for students but you bought a one sided view from three antipublic school people. They are part of the union busting so that the staff can be poorly paid and burned out. Three years ago, charter schools were criticized for the constant turn over. The reason for this turn over was to keep salaries low and simply the staff was burned out."
(NOTE: That comment was written by a former teacher and union leader.)
According to its web site, Denver School of Science and Technology "is a free, open- enrollment public school serving middle and high school students. DSST's approach is predicated on a standards- based pedagogy and values-based school culture delivered in a college preparatory liberal arts program with a science and technology focus. DSST is the only 'Distinguished' rated high school in Denver and 100% of its graduates have been accepted into four year colleges."
Comments
Interesting comment from the union leader as I keep hearing more and more teachers in the traditional public school sector say how burnt out they are...just talked to one this weekend who said she now has to teach 6 high school classes a day with only one planning period and she's had it. Perhaps the burn out in traditional public schools is exactly why many teachers are just not cutting it anymore...perhaps the unions should look in the mirror.
my child attends DSST, his sister attended another charter. in both schools, the teachers tended to be young (though talented and energetic) -- and the turnover was significant. most of these young teachers were burnt out within a couple years.
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