Devil’s Advocate: SB 213, Billion-Dollar Colo. Education Tax
Senior education policy analyst Ben DeGrow discusses Senate Bill 213, the massive piece of legislation attempting to change how schools are funded if Colorado voters approve a billion-dollar tax increase initiative.
Devil’s Advocate: Cage-Busting Education Leadership
American Enterprise Institute education scholar Rick Hess and Douglas County School District superintendent Liz Fagen discuss the importance of strong leadership in bringing about effective education reform. Senior education policy analyst Ben DeGrow makes his debut as guest host.
Devil’s Advocate: Colorado Teachers Can Get Union Political Refunds
Senior education policy analyst Ben DeGrow sits down with host Jon Caldara to discuss the Colorado Education Association’s Every Member Option. The EMO allows teachers to receive a portion of their union dues that would go towards political advocacy back. The total refund amount varies from district to district, but the refund is guaranteed – as long as teachers ask for their money back by December 15 each year.
DeGrow Provides 9News Full Picture of Colorado K-12 Tax Funding
On Thursday, November 1, senior education policy analyst Ben DeGrow talked with Denver 9News education reporter Nelson Garcia about the disputed use of figures to account for Colorado school funding. (Click either picture to access the original story.)
“Colorado actually ranks closer to the middle than to the bottom,” DeGrow said. “You’ll see Colorado ranked even [...]
Devil’s Advocate: Denver Public Schools or Occupy Training Camps?
Tune in to Devil’s Advocate as Denver Public Schools teacher John Peterson and the Independence Institute’s Education Policy Center director Pam Benigno join host Jon Caldara to discuss why both teachers and parents should be concerned about new DPS teacher evaluation criteria that includes encouraging students to “challenge and question the dominant culture,” and “take social action to change/ improve society or work for social justice.”
Pam Benigno Challenges Political Agenda in Denver Teacher Evaluations
On Wednesday, August 29, Education Policy Center director Pam Benigno told Denver 9News education reporter Nelson Garcia that it’s an “abuse of power” for Denver Public Schools (DPS) to rate teachers in a way that can “promote a political agenda.” Click the image below to read the story and watch the video.
According to DPS’ newly-revised [...]
Devil’s Advocate: Meet the Teacher Who Couldn’t Read
Tune in to Devil’s Advocate as guest host Pam Benigno is joined by John Corcoran from the John Corcoran Foundation, telling of his longtime struggles with illiteracy, and State Board of Education member Debora Scheffel discussing ideas and strategies to improve literacy for Colorado students.
DeGrow Questions Proposed Denver Education Tax Hike on 9News
Denver 9News education reporter Nelson Garcia recorded comment from senior education policy analyst Ben DeGrow in a story about Denver Public Schools’ consideration of placing a combined $500 million property tax increase on this fall’s ballot for voters to decide.
Devil’s Advocate: What is Blended Learning?
Tune in to Devil’s Advocate as host Jon Caldara is joined by Colorado Department of Education Assistant Commissioner Amy Anderson and Independence Institute senior policy analyst Ben DeGrow to discuss policy changes Colorado needs to make so students can have greater access to quality online course options and other customized learning opportunities. A growing number of “blended learning” models bring the traditional classroom and digital technology together in productive ways.
Devil’s Advocate: Tim Farmer Touts HB 1333 Options for Teachers
Tune in to Devil’s Advocate as host Jon Caldara is joined by Tim Farmer from the Professional Association of Colorado Educators (PACE) explains Colorado House Bill 1333, which sought to allow educators to make union or professional membership choices on a month-to-month basis. He explains how many teachers are adversely affected by current policies and what the simple legislative proposal would have accomplished.
