Twisted logic on Lake

Letter to the EditorSubmitted by Elisa Cohen and Padres & Jovenes UnidosPublished in Education News Colorado November 29, 2009We’ve heard a twisted logic argument picking up steam in northwest Denver.
The argument goes something like this: Because West Denver Prep has managed to help predominantly low-income Latino children soar above the expectations often held for their class and race, DPS is displaying its inherent racism by enabling two more West Denver Preps to open to serve 600 more students in Northwest Denver. DPS is being racist because these same children could do just as well in any other program. Unfortunately, no other middle school in Denver has done this yet.
When did it become racist to welcome a model of education that sets forth high expectations, provides the support needed to meet those expectations, and then helps those students matriculate into some of the best high schools in the region?
This accusation of racism for bringing a proven model that helps students succeed to become the second highest achieving school in the district is twisted at best. More likely it is entrenched in the politics of protecting adults more vigorously than the needs of the students in our district.
The argument also ignores the fact that at the same time – DPS is investing more resources in an International Baccalaureate program at Lake and is continuing to keep a highly rated, successful principal at Skinner. Two West Denver Preps join the newly invigorated Lake IB and Skinner Middle School, as well as the K-8’s, including two dual language programs, serving northwest Denver as the choices for middle school.
Choice is alive and well and getting richer in Northwest Denver.