COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS
ACADEMIC STANDARDS DPS has embraced the Colorado Academic Standards to ensure students are equipped for college and careers in the 21st century. The standards represent a shift in education to provide a clear, consistent understanding of the knowledge and skills students are expected to learn at each grade level. Our goal is to prepare students with a well-rounded education that will prepare them for success in our rapidly changing world. The Colorado Academic Standards challenge students to move beyond memorization. These standards push students to think critically in order to support their conclusions with evidence; analyze and critique complex texts across multiple subjects; and solve problems with effective communication, collaboration and technology skills. We encourage parents and guardians to learn about the standards and engage in your child’s learning through conversations with your school’s principal and teachers. For resources and information about the Colorado Academic Standards, please visit standards.dpsk12.org.
HOW CAN I HELP? Here are a few tips you can use at home to help support your child’s learning and understanding of the Colorado Academic Standards:
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Get to know what your child is expected to learn at each grade level and talk with your child’s teacher about learning goals. Help your child learn to persevere in solving problems by encouraging a trial-and-error process that involves multiple and creative strategies for discovering solutions. Practice communication skills by talking with your child about their day, homework and how he or she is learning. Practice collaboration by working together to solve everyday problems like reading a restaurant menu or calculating a tip. Practice critical thinking by asking your child to explain their answers, summarize a book or analyze current events. Practice technology skills by supervising computer time or utilizing realworld opportunities like self-checkout at the grocery store or ATMs.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT DPS provides Advanced Placement (AP) classes to help high school students prepare for postsecondary education in a rigorous, college-like experience. The AP program is a curriculum created by the College Board that offers standardized courses recognized as equivalent to undergraduate college courses. AP students build confidence and learn the essential time management and study skills needed for college and career success. Students who obtain qualifying national AP exam scores may be able to receive credit or advanced placement or both at participating colleges and universities. When students earn college credit while in high school, they get a head start and save money on college courses. We recommend that all students take multiple AP courses to ensure college readiness before graduation. Students should talk with their school counselor to find out if there are appropriate AP courses to enroll in. For more information about AP classes, please check with your child’s school and visit dpsk12.org/AdvancedPlacement.
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Stay informed: dpsk12.org