It is a devastating reality that the achievement gap continues to grow in Colorado. By the third grade, almost half of low-income students in our state are already below proficient on the Colorado state assessment. Over time, the situation only gets worse for these students, which has massive implications for our economy, communities, and future. 

In response, Colorado has become a special laboratory for education reform. Community leaders, state policymakers, union leaders and other educators have created an “ecosystem for reform” – including new state assessments, teacher and principal performance assessments, higher expectations and common standards. Big change is starting to happen right before our eyes. Districts like Denver, Aurora, Sheridan, and Colorado Springs, with the active participation and leadership of Teach For America corps members and alumni, are at the forefront of this change.

We have many of the ingredients to help Colorado students turn the corner, but our work is far from done. To truly reach the tipping point, we need an infusion of leaders who will harness all the energy around change, and use it ensure educational excellence and equity for our kids.