Beth Hamilton

Classified: Beth Hamilton

To find out more about MSE, go to www.montessori-evergreen.org or call 303-674-0093 and ask to speak with Beth.
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Beth Hamilton, Principal Denison Elementary School 1821 S. Yates St. Denver, CO 80219 Phone: 303-934-7805 Fax: 720-424-8105

The changes could show up in new curriculum mandates, in the imposition of district-selected educational drills, or in requirements to "teach to the standards" one day each week as some states have done, said Beth Hamilton, Denison Montessori's principal.

"It would be like going from Oz to Kansas," Hamilton said, replacing Montessori's depth of experience and learning with drills that help students master facts or calculations.

"We'd lose many of the things that pique a child's interest and that makes learning exciting," Hamilton said.

So Hamilton, Ploplys and a small volunteer team of teachers took the initiative and asked the district for a chance to adapt the new report card, translating Montessori lessons to match the list of standards.
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District administrators agreed, Hamilton said.
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In Denver, there is reason to hope that Montessori can continue intact, Hamilton said.
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"I think everyone sees that we're already at the tip-top of parent tolerance for assessing students," Hamilton said.
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And the reform-minded administration — led by superintendent William Bennet and chief academic officer Jaime Aquino — has been respectful of school staff as they push for broad improvements in academic performance, Hamilton said.
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"That's the kind of atmosphere they're trying to create," Hamilton said.

"I've been asking and trying to find out what the plan is," Denison Montessori principal Beth Hamilton said.