Our mission centers around empowering community members to actively engage with the school district and advocate for transparent, student-focused policies. A key component of this involves holding the current Board of Education accountable by participating in meetings and providing public comment on agenda items and past decisions. This month, DCP Board Member Jennifer Iversen expressed our encouragement to the board for their efforts on Dyslexia Screening and Policy JKA, which addresses seclusion and restraint.
Recently, DCSD has made two significant moves: first, posting updates to Board Policy JKA on seclusion and restraint, and second, exploring the possibility of implementing a dyslexia screener. These conversations are a big deal, and while we’re not quite there yet, we’re encouraged by the district’s forward momentum.
The long awaited update to Board Policy JKA is one of those moves. For years, we’ve seen the harmful impacts of seclusion and restraint, and sought better alternatives. It’s encouraging to see DCSD’s BoE taking proactive steps to revise their policy. It’s not just about making changes on paper—it’s about ensuring a safer, more respectful environment for every student. This update shows that the district is paying attention to concerns, including the paused investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ). We believe this is a crucial step towards creating a more supportive environment, and we hope the conversations continue to improve outcomes for students.
Colorado remains one of only seven states without a statewide dyslexia screener. Legislation for a mandatory screener has stalled for seven years. While we’re still waiting on the state to act, it’s promising that this Saturday’s BoE retreat included conversations around the imminent need for a dyslexia screener. We witnessed some pushback—understandably so, considering the cost and the logistics, especially in a year when the district is facing $16 million in state budget cuts. But here’s the reality: the longer schools wait to intervene, the greater the cost, both financially and emotionally for students. Early identification of dyslexia can make all the difference. If the district catches it early, remediation is more affordable and effective. If not identified until after third grade, the costs grow exponentially—and it’s not just about money. It’s about the toll on a child’s self-confidence and mental health.
We know implementing a dyslexia screener might come with an upfront cost, but the case for early intervention is clear. The earlier schools catch these issues, the more likely students are to get back on track without years of extra work, frustration, and the inability to participate in extra curricular activities. But beyond the financial cost, it’s the emotional cost that weighs heavily. When children are struggling with undiagnosed reading issues, their self-esteem and mental health suffer, often leading to even greater challenges down the road.
Early intervention isn’t just the right choice for kids—it’s the right choice for the community. By addressing these needs upfront, we can save money, time, and, most importantly, the well-being of our students. We understand the hesitations, but we believe DCSD can—and should—take this step, even in the face of budget constraints.