Learn more about this research here:
publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/cepa

Our study finds that Black and Latino students in Denver received the equivalent of at least 18 months of additional schooling in literacy and math compared to their matched peers in surrounding districts. English Learners also gained 18 months in math. publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/cepa

Research from CU Denver finds that the average Denver student who experienced the reforms received the equivalent of at least six months & as much as 27 months (3 years) of additional schooling compared to their matched peers in surrounding districts. Each year of reform produced larger benefits.

When Denver launched its reforms in 2007, it was in the bottom 5th percentile of all districts in the state. Its four-year graduation rate was 39%. After a decade of reform, the district rose to above the 60th percentile and raised its graduation rate above 70%.

Denver used the portfolio district strategy to fundamentally alter the role and structure of its local school system, shifting away from a rigid, centralized institutional approach toward a more flexible and responsive model based on adaptation, differentiation and continuous improvement. #edpolicy

Public education systems face big challenges. Some want to blow up existing systems while others see no need for change at all. The portfolio district strategy is built on the idea that public education is a goal and not a particular governance model or set of operating arrangements.

I have a new opinion piece at the @the74.bsky.social about what struggling school systems can learn from the transformation of public education in Denver, Colorado. Transformative change does not come easily, but dramatic improvement is possible.

www.the74million.org/article/how-...

Education systems are experiencing massive change. The Systems Leadership & Policy Institute is a 5-day seminar at the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs designed for leaders engaged in systems transformation and redesign. July 14 - 18, 2025 Learn more www.edsystemsleadership.org

We need courageous leaders at every level & in every system—leaders willing to speak the truth & face the future bravely. The #education systems we have are not the systems we need. Building systems for the future will take bold public leadership. Join us July 2025 edsystemsleadership.org #edpolicy

Change happens: "a picture of the eleven abandoned old country school buildings and the new central building in a Colorado common school district...Where the same district controls number of different schools the problem of consolidation is very much simplified." 1920 www.google.com/books/editio...

A couple more examples of thousands....

I'm especially interested to thread the needle on "misleading beliefs that classrooms operate in ways designed to fit the industrial era"

Schooling has changed dramatically but evidence is overwhelming that school districts were designed and still operate today based on industrial era practices.

My mantra:

“Be tough, yet gentle, humble, but bold, swayed always by beauty and truth.”

-Bob Pieh, Founder Minnesota Outward Bound School