Today, Governor Jared Polis announced a new special recognition for 21 schools across the state, including three from District 60, that have demonstrated strong growth in student achievement since 2019.
The selected schools, which include Irving Elementary, Heritage Elementary and Franklin School of Innovation, have demonstrated excellence and the ability to advance learning through challenging times and so will receive the Governor’s Bright Spot award and $50,000 dollars of GEER funds.
These funds can be used for such investments as expanding student resources, faculty development, preparing and preventing public health emergencies and other opportunities that will benefit students' learning experiences.
“Congratulations to these schools that have shown strong improvements in results despite the pandemic, and to all those that worked to advance students' learning over the last three years," Governor Polis said. "The unprecedented challenges schools faced through the pandemic were difficult to navigate but, your schools, teachers and communities showed incredible resilience and I am honored to highlight you all.
"I look forward to seeing how you utilize the funding to keep uplifting your students and advance learning. Investing in education ensures Colorado youth are able to thrive and access the high-quality education they deserve. Thank you to all the faculty, teachers, and loved ones who support students and their learning experiences.”
The criteria was developed to highlight schools across the state that excelled through challenges caused by the pandemic and ensured their students progressed. To qualify for the award, schools must have advanced more than two bands on their performance framework since 2019.
Heritage, Franklin and Irving are all now rated as Performance, the highest rating on the school accountability chart, despite the challenges of the pandemic.
