Golden school forum addresses technology, AP classes, student growth

Advanced Placement classes, the use of technology in schools and academic growth of students dominated discussion among Golden and Jeffco Public Schools administrators and leaders at the city’s third forum on the state of education for Golden students.

Golden schools are “building thinkers,” Mitchell Elementary Principal Samantha Hollman said.

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Golden, the forum took place Sept. 16 and brought together Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Dan McMinimee, Golden High School Principal Brian Conroy, Bell Middle School Principal Bridget Jones, Hollman, Golden Mayor Marjorie Sloan, Welchester Elementary PTA President Michelle Applegate and Golden Schools Foundation chair Kim Brock.

About 45 citizens attended the forum in the city council chambers. The forum did not discuss topics related to the Jeffco school board election.

“The panelists did an excellent job,” said Rotarian Tom Hughes, who moderated the event. Discussion “covered relevant issues.”

Among them were Advanced Placement, or AP, classes, which are college-level courses that give students college credit if they score high enough on the final exam.

AP classes provide a “very rigorous” curriculum that helps students prepare for college, said Conroy of Golden High School, where all students are encouraged to take AP classes.

They “are the ticket to the university,” he said.

Technology also is greatly changing learning in the classroom, educators said.

“Technology is a tool,” McMinimee said, adding that Jeffco schools are “at a good place with technology.”

However, he added, teachers come first and there’s no replacement for great instructors.

Brock agreed.

“Kids are still learning with pen and paper,” she said. But visual elements, such as those a SMARTboard can provide, also are beneficial for many students.

Technology does have some drawbacks, some of the panelists said.

Not all families can afford expensive devices and, at times, technology can create problems in the classroom.

For example, Bell Middle School is a “bring-your-own-device” school, Jones said, and sometimes the use of social media outside of school hours interferes with students’ focus on education in the classroom.

McMinimee noted the importance of learning the ethical use of technology.

Although there is no specific course offered to address that issue, reputable speakers–;such as representatives from the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office–;come to the schools to talk about the importance of safe social media use.

The panel encouraged parents to be involved, inform themselves and be aware of how their children are using technology and social media.

Mayor Marjorie Sloan pointed out the city’s role in supporting its schools.

Not only do most councilmembers have a direct past or present connection to the schools, council also works to develop safe routes to school, provide internship opportunities and advocate for scholarships.

There is a strong connection, Sloan said, between a “thriving community and thriving schools.”

Golden Transcript – Latest Stories