CONTACT
Angelina Reed
Denver Classroom Teachers Association
areed@coloradoea.org
720-663-7618
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16,2024
Denver Classroom Teachers Association’s Response to Denver Public Schools’ Revised School Discipline Matrix
Denver,CO – Yesterday,Denver Public Schools (DPS) released their Revised School Discipline Matrix in response to heightened safety concerns following the tragic 2023 East High School shooting. The Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA) views this revision as a step forward. Still,it remains concerned that it falls short of the comprehensive approach needed to continue providing safe and supportive learning environments.
DCTA has engaged our nearly 4,000 members,the committed educators who serve the students in Denver public schools,in discussions regarding school discipline via round tables with school board members,through our Rep council meetings,and feedback through a DCTA School Safety Survey.
The DCTA Safety Survey highlighted two key areas where educators feel improvements are needed: reducing class sizes and caseloads and expanding mental health supports available to students. Educators know that smaller class sizes are necessary to establish strong connections with students and foster a supportive learning environment. Additionally,many educators voiced the need for expanded student mental health support services that require additional staff to realistically support the needs of all students.
“The matrix focuses on actions after an offense,but we need to support students before incidents occur,” said Rob Gould,special education teacher and president of the Denver Classroom Teachers Association. “Smaller class sizes,more mental health supports,and early intervention are what we need to prevent these behaviors from escalating.”
Two DCTA members who served on the DPS Discipline Matrix Advisory Committee have raised concerns about the adoption of key recommendations and the permissiveness of discipline associated with higher-level infractions. Joshua Duran,a middle school social studies teacher at Skinner Middle School,emphasized that educators are committed to ensuring every student receives a high-quality education. “As professionals who work with students every day,we understand that each student has unique needs. The Discipline Matrix doesn’t fully address the needs of the small percentage of students who require alternatives outside of the traditional school setting. We need more than what the matrix currently offers—there has to be a more comprehensive plan to support both students with behavioral challenges and those affected by these behaviors.”
Amy Kapoor,a fifth-grade literature teacher at Denver Green School Southeast who served on the committee,believes there is more work to be done,“Students with behavioral needs require the necessary resources,supports,and personnel to address their needs. We need a more comprehensive plan to prevent and reduce student behavior issues.”
DCTA members remain committed to fighting for safe and fully supported schools students deserve. DCTA urges Dr. Marrero to take educators’ feedback seriously and work collaboratively with us to ensure that all DPS students and educators have safe and supportive learning and working environments.
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