When it comes to improving public education, data-driven decisions matter—and Denver Public Schools (DPS) offers a powerful case study.
A 2024 report from the University of Colorado Denver examined nearly two decades of school reforms in DPS, focusing on how the district used accountability systems to guide school improvement. The findings are clear: when districts act on data—expanding what works and phasing out what doesn’t—student outcomes improve.
📈 Key Takeaways from the Study:
- Closing low-performing schools and replacing them with higher-quality options led to better academic outcomes for students.
- Students displaced by school closures often ended up in higher-performing schools, especially when the district prioritized equity in its placement process.
- The district’s focus on accountability and continuous improvement helped drive long-term gains, particularly for students of color and those from low-income backgrounds.
🧭 Why It Matters
This study reinforces what education advocates have long believed: accountability isn’t about punishment—it’s about progress. When school systems are willing to make tough decisions based on student outcomes, they can create more equitable opportunities for all learners.
As Indianapolis and other cities consider how to improve public education, Denver’s experience offers a roadmap: use data, act boldly, and always center students.
📖 Read the full study summary here: https://publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/docs/librariesprovider36/default-document-library/denver-study-summary-september-2024.pdf?sfvrsn=60236bb4_1
About This Series: Understanding the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA)
In 2025, Indiana lawmakers passed House Bill 1515, establishing the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA)—a task force comprised of local leaders led by the mayor of Indianapolis with the goal of generating ideas to ensure IPS traditional schools and the charter sector are collaborating to improve student outcomes. The ILEA is not about choosing one type of school over another. It’s about building a cohesive system of schools—district, charter, and innovation—that work together to deliver better outcomes for all students.
This blog series explores the key policy areas that our advocates believe are essential to creating a high-performing, student-centered education system. Each post will dive into a specific topic—ranging from school accountability and funding to transportation—highlighting how these elements can support a system that prioritizes better results for students.
