Last week, we shared exemplary college readiness proficiency and growth from many of our schools, both overall and for FRL and ELL students. We were also proud to see from the 18-19 SAT scores that African-American/Black students at DSST have seen strong growth and proficiency in both math and literacy. Why are we highlighting African American/Black students’ success? Back in February, DPS passed the Black Excellence Resolution - an effort to reinforce and strengthen the district’s commitment to Denver’s diverse community.  

State, DPS and DSST Data Overview for African-American Students

DSST Public Schools run the top 4 schools among those reporting (several DPS schools do not have enough African-American/Black students enrolled to report results) for high school math growth for African-American/Black students: 

                    #1: DSST: Green Valley Ranch HS

                    #2: DSST: Conservatory Green HS 

                    #3: DSST: Byers HS

                    #4: DSST: Montview HS

For literacy growth, DSST schools comprise three of the top four schools among those reporting for high school literacy growth in African-American/Black students:

                    #1: DSST: Green Valley Ranch HS

                    #3: DSST: Cole HS 

                    #4: DSST: Montview HS

Strong student-teacher relationships are essential in achieving these results. Taylor Self, Math teacher at DSST: Cole HS, emphasized the importance of building relationships in the beginning of the school year. Her students know that she cares and will hold them accountable, and they trust that the goals she sets are attainable. But keeping expectations high is not as easy as it sounds- students often get stressed and frustrated. Taylor credits her mentor, GVR Math teacher Sarah Amey, for showing how to best manage this challenge. They are both what author Lisa Delpit would call warm demanders- teachers who "expect a great deal of their students, convince them of their own brilliance, and help them to reach their potential in a disciplined and structured environment." 

Students also cite the trust they have in their teachers as a key factor in their success. Cholena, a senior at DSST: GVR HS, shared that while the curriculum is challenging, she and her classmates know that they have the support necessary. She knows that her teachers have her back, and is willing to put in the work to make them proud. She is also involved in the school’s BSA (Black Student Alliance), which has really opened her eyes to current events and empowered her to form her own opinions on what is happening in the world. 

Similarly, GVR senior Khlee explained how powerful it is to have a small school and teachers who are there to help every day of the week. In Sophomore year, his teachers pushed him to move up a level in math. While he was reluctant and scared this shift would be too rigorous, his teachers believed in him, and in turn, he believed in himself. He now enjoys AP Physics and is considering studying computer science or biochemical engineering in college next year. 

We are proud of the commitment that our students, staff, and families continuously make to eliminate educational inequity, and that work is especially apparent in these outstanding student achievements.  And while we are pleased with these results, unacceptable achievement gaps persist between white and African American/Black students. Our work is not complete until conversations like these are obsolete. We look forward to continuing our partnership with DPS as we collectively work toward achieving the aspirations set out by the Black Excellence Resolution. 

In case you missed it, watch Cholena, Khlee, Sarah Amey, and Dr. Aaron Griffin, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion speaking about this on 9News!  

Do you have stories about exemplary student growth and powerful relationships? Share them with us at mac@scienceandtech.org

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