I think that we have positive moments in our history and negative moments in our history. We incarcerated Japanese Americans in the state of Colorado, in Camp Amache. You could say that’s part of our heritage; I would say it’s a shameful part of our heritage and not something we should repeat. Michael Bennet Read Quote
Competitive programs such as Race to the Top provide incentives for communities to develop new solutions for old problems. Because of Race to the Top, states have raised their standards and committed to fixing schools that have persistently failed students. Michael Bennet Read Quote
Our goal in Washington must not be to impose but to expect and assist: Expect the most of educators and students and assist them as they work together to meet those expectations. Rather than tightening our grip, we should set clear, ambitious goals and support innovative local efforts to achieve them. Michael Bennet Read Quote
Fixing our schools must begin with reforming the way we attract talent to teaching. Michael Bennet Read Quote
We’ve done a terrible job of hiring, supporting, and retaining the people tasked with the difficult responsibility of teaching our children. Michael Bennet Read Quote
Teaching is hard. It takes years to master the technically demanding work and a lot of effort to do that work well. Michael Bennet Read Quote
As an urban school superintendent, I learned that hiring, training, and investing in professionals to support our children’s social and emotional development, meeting academic expectations for students with special needs, and finding more minutes of instruction in the week, not fewer, mattered. Michael Bennet Read Quote
Local school districts should be free to adapt their academic programs in ways appropriate for their community, but we cannot allow mindless budget shortfalls to force wrongheaded changes to our children’s education. Michael Bennet Read Quote
Coloradans want to take the long view and invest in our state’s future. We know that to do this, we cannot neglect our schools. Michael Bennet Read Quote
Anyone who thinks they’re a progressive should be interested in making progress. Michael Bennet Read Quote
