View Resource: Training and Support to Schools Pre-Opening
This document outlines a series of workshops that are designed to support new schools in an effective planning and transition year prior to opening in Denver. Denver calls the 12 months prior to opening “year zero” and proactively works with schools during this year to support them in building relationships within the district, learning about compliance requirements and making necessary decisions that will impact their program in the coming year. Workshops listed in this document are co-facilitated by the authorizing team and other relevant departments to ensure that all departments within the district are invested in the successful opening of the new school.
Outcomes and Lessons Learned: The series of workshops planned and implemented during the twelve months prior to opening for a new school has evolved substantially in Denver. Denver has opened new schools (a mix of fresh starts and restarts/turnarounds) at a rate of 9-12 schools per year for the past several years. This has necessitated a very intentional approach to supporting these schools through this important transition period. These workshops now also include opportunities to hear from other school leaders who have recently opened schools – a favorite component among the incoming principals.