Mathematics and Science Leadership Academy

451 S. Tejon Street - Denver, CO - 80223

http://msla.dpsk12.org/

Type of autonomy arrangement: MOU between school, district, and local union + waiver from state statute

Basic Profile

Opened In

2009

Grades

K-5

Environment

Urban

Type

District

Autonomies

Program

Determine learning program

Set school-level policy

Determine professional development

Determine authorizer assessments

Determine state assessments

Personnel

Select colleagues

Evaluate colleagues

Determine tenure policy

Select leaders

Administrative

Set staff pattern

Determine teacher workday

Teacher Authority Is...

De Jure and De Facto

The school has MOUs with the teachers union, through the school board, to have a lead teacher instead of a principal. Denver Public Schools also, specifically for MSLA, requested and received a waiver from the state of Colorado so the lead teacher has autonomy to manage the school, deal with suspensions, and do teacher evaluations. De facto, teachers make decisions and the lead teacher approves.

About the Learning Program

Science, technology, and mathematics. Teachers have elected to use the district adopted curriculum and are able to modify it for their needs (they have a Science, Technology, and Math focus).