Pesidential candidate Sen. Michael Bennet’s leadership as superintendent of Denver Public Schools from 2005 to 2009 was a major turning point in the city’s educational trajectory, marking the beginning of a reform strategy that fundamentally changed the shape of the school system and contributed to notable gains in graduation rates and student achievement.

So how does Bennet view those district reforms now, and how does he propose to translate the lessons from Denver to the national level?

A merger may be a valuable strategic path for schools and education nonprofits. If leaders capitalize — with appropriate caution — on the opportunity, they can accelerate progress for the students and communities that need it most.

All families deserve to choose the best educational path for their children, but right now in Louisville, that right is reserved only for the wealthy.

Despite enormous effort across the education sector over many years, persistent and pervasive gaps in educational access, engagement, and achievement exist for students across the country. Through our research, we found that three key things are true of schools that succeed at accelerating growth among students who start off below grade level.