Not Just Another Brick in the Wall

Kim Ursetta is living proof that if you can't beat the system, you can always start your own.

The Denver teacher recently opened an alternative school to boost math and science education for low-income students. If the school proves successful, Ursetta's vision could revolutionize the modern education system.

About 18 months ago, Ursetta, who had worked as a board-certified teacher for 15 years, approached then-superintendent Michael Bennet with a "crazy idea." According to a story on CNN.com, Ursetta had a vision for a union-sponsored school led by teachers, not a principal. The school would help students -- particularly low-income and minority students -- learn valuable math and science skills with greater flexibility in the classroom. To her surprise, Bennet didn't say no and Ursetta quickly rounded up some teachers to discuss how they could improve classroom learning.

"We've been doing schools the same way in this nation for 150 years, so if we don't step up, then nothing is going to change," Ursetta CNN.com.

Three weeks ago, Ursetta's "crazy idea" came to fruition in the Mathematics and Science Leadership Academy, a school for kindergarten, first and second graders in Denver's low-income, mostly Hispanic community, Athmar Park. The school is comprised of 12 teachers, two of which serve as "lead teachers." Teachers at the school are afforded greater flexibility than those in traditional public schools. For example, they can rearrange lessons to better flow together, or combine classes into one large class for a particular lesson. At traditional public schools, teachers need to obtain consent in order to do these things.

Though the school does still follow school board-approved curriculum, Ursetta hopes this new model will foster better understanding of concepts for the academy's 142 students. We're guessing that after having to adhere to the standardized testing implemented under the No Child Left Behind Act, the Leadership Academy's teachers and students will welcome any chance for greater flexibility.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.