Evaluating the Districts

One factor which comes into play with most home buying decisions is the performance of the school district.  Even if a buyer does not have any school-aged children, the rating of the local schools becomes a consideration when they decide to sell once again.

I always refer my clients to a great tool at the Colorado Department of Education's website called SchoolView.  SchoolView offers a lot of data and resources to help residents determine which school would be best for them.

The Colorado Growth Model provides a comparative approach on how schools are progressing toward state standards.  The graph allows you to compare schools and districts at the elementary, middle and high school levels in math, reading and writing performance over several years.

It will also give access to Growth Summary Reports, whose data is fed by the CSAP (Colorado Student Assessment Program) and TCAP (Transitional Colorado Assessment Program) results over the past three years.  There's controversy about the effectiveness of these tests in measuring performance, as well as advising the educational system's future initiatives, but it's one of many tools to be consulted.

The Data Center reports on four key performance indicators:  achievement, growth, extent of gaps and postsecondary and workforce readiness.  Assessment of these indicators determines what kind of an improvement plan will be implemented at that particular school.  The reports also break down the qualification of the teachers, the sources of revenue and the health and wellness programs operating.

As one would hope, there is a plethora of educational resources at the Department of Education's website.  If you would also like to hear from families already enrolled at a particular school to help you make your decision, give me a call and I'll put you in touch with someone who can speak directly to your questions.

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I would love to help you with your real estate journey. 

Please contact me at 303-917-7143 or robbin@stauferteam.com

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