This week's teaching & learning tidbits

Much work ahead on teacher evaluation system

Members of the State Board of Education got their first in-depth look Wednesday at the recommended shape of new evaluation systems for teachers and principals, and they also got a sense of how much work remains to be done.

The were briefed on the massive report of the State Council for Educator Effectiveness by co-chairs Nina Lopez and Matt Smith. Lopez stressed the theme of a work in progress, saying, “We don’t expect to get it right off the bat.” Read more in Education News Colorado.

‘Boobie bracelets’ cause controversy at Canon City school

CANON CITY – Canon City High School has banned a controversial bracelet that promotes breast cancer awareness. The bracelets say, “I heart boobies” on one side and “art. education. awareness. action. keep-a-breast.org.” on the other side. The school’s principal told 7NEWS that when students are caught with the “boobies” bracelets, they are offered a different pink bracelet supporting breast cancer awareness. Watch the 7News report.

Seniors share stories of survival, success at Parents’ Council

From abuse to abandonment, from the death of a parent to their own battle with a life-threatening illness, they have suffered the unimaginable. They have experienced things no one – especially a child – should have to experience. But most importantly, they have beaten the odds and overcome incredible challenges.

At the April 11 Cherry Creek Parents’ Council meeting, two seniors from each of the district’s high schools, shared powerful stories of perseverance, leaving many in the audience wiping away tears. Read more on Your Hub.

D-20 students show how web tools help them excel

Facebook can be a powerful tool for working on school projects, according to Paul Gilliam, an eighth-grader at Discovery Canyon Campus Middle School. The popular social networking website allows Paul and his classmates to trade ideas and work on projects outside of class, he explained, describing how students use different tools during Academy School District 20’s annual Share Fair last week. Read more in the Colorado Springs Gazette.

More budget news

Aspen’s mill-levy vote eases pain of state’s education budget cuts

ASPEN — While the Aspen School District will not go unscathed by the ongoing state budget crisis, the cuts it must make pale in comparison to those of its downvalley counterparts.

The reason has little to do with where the schools are located or how deep the pockets of its community. It has to do with the fact that Aspen voters overwhelmingly approved a mill-levy override in the November election, which puts $1.3 million into school coffers each year. Read more in the Aspen Times.

Potential budget cuts take shape as D-11 awaits final numbers

The Colorado Springs School District 11 board got a preview of next year’s budget and needed cuts Wednesday night. Superintendent Nicholas Gledich prefaced the presentation by saying that he is waiting on updated numbers from the state to finalize his recommendations. A proposal moving through the state Legislature would reduce overall K-12 education funding cuts from $375 million to $250 million. Read more in the Colorado Springs Gazette.

Holyoke school budget priorities examined

Budget priorities from the school district’s budget and facilities committee will lead the Holyoke School Board into their work with budget parameters for the 2011-12 school year. Read more in the Holyoke Enterprise.

2 Aurora teachers to lose jobs despite student protest

AURORA, Colo. – Two teachers in Aurora will be let go at the end of the school year despite student protests to save their jobs. Watch this 7News report.

Students walk out of classes at second metro high school

ENGLEWOOD – Several seniors at Englewood High School walked out of class Wednesday morning while underclassmen at the school took the Colorado Student Assessment Program tests. The students are upset that the district is cutting a dozen teachers, including Cherri Spencer. Watch this 7News report.

Three companies, D-49 department make busing pitches

Falcon School District 49 received bids from two international companies and one local business seeking to take over bus services. Read more in the Colorado Springs Gazette.

About our First Person series:

First Person is where Chalkbeat features personal essays by educators, students, parents, and others trying to improve public education. Read our submission guidelines here.