University Prep’s Guide to Learning Recovery

Case Study: The 3 Pillars Guiding Learning Recovery — and Student Growth — at Our Denver Schools as We Rush to Catch Kids Up After the Pandemic

The staff and board of University Prep Charter Schools stepped up this spring, recognizing an urgent need to develop an ambitious vision and catch-up plan that would support all children in getting back on track following more than a year of disruptions and struggles. Our objective: To ensure that, despite the significant challenges brought on by the pandemic, all our scholars will remain on track with grade-level performance, while receiving any and all supports they may need (academically, socially, emotionally and beyond).

At U Prep, we are unwavering in our belief that all children, from all backgrounds, can learn at the highest levels. They are brilliant, beautiful people and absolutely capable. Eighty-five percent of our students qualify for free and reduced-price lunches and 94 percent are students of color. In 2017, scholars at our Steele Street campus in Denver had the highest math growth in the state (out of all public elementary schools) and the eighth highest English Language Arts (ELA) growth, after a single year.

Read more of Recardo Brook’s commentary in The74 here.

DPS Graduation Rates: Progress Worth Celebrating, Work Worth Continuing

Graduation rates across Denver Public Schools (DPS) are rising, reflecting collective effort and momentum. More young people are crossing the stage, diplomas in hand, ready to take their next steps.  For the fourth consecutive year, DPS has set a new high mark for four-year graduation rates. The Class of 2025’s four-year graduation rate rose by 2 percentage points, reaching an all-time high of 81.9%.  The five-year graduation rate increased by 0.8% to 83.7%, and the six-year graduation rate improved by

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