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Expanding Learning Beyond School Walls: How ReSchool Colorado is Revolutionizing Education Access

Expanding Learning Beyond School Walls: How ReSchool Colorado is Revolutionizing Education Access

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 When we think about education, most of us picture classroom desks, textbooks, and traditional school buildings. But what if we told you that only 20% of a child's learning happens during school hours? The remaining 80% occurs outside those walls – and that's where ReSchool Colorado is making a transformative difference.In a recent episode of the Educational Awareness Podcast, host Melissa LaShure sat down with Amy Anderson from ReSchool Colorado to explore how this innovative organization is helping families access a more expansive education system that works across all learning spaces.The Vision: Education That Extends Beyond School HoursFounded 13 years ago, ReSchool Colorado operates on a simple yet powerful premise: children are learning constantly, not just during the traditional school day. Amy Anderson explains their mission as supporting families to "co-design an education system in Colorado that gave all kids access to learning opportunities that occurred across all of those spaces."This approach recognizes what many parents instinctively know – that their children's interests, talents, and learning needs often extend far beyond what traditional schools can offer. Whether it's a child passionate about music, dance, coding, or athletics, ReSchool helps families access these enriching experiences regardless of their financial circumstances.Breaking Down Barriers to Educational EquityOne of the most significant challenges ReSchool addresses is the growing cost of enrichment activities. Anderson shared some eye-opening statistics: recreational soccer, which cost around $200-250 per season just a few years ago, now runs between $500-600. Summer camps that were once $300 for a week have jumped to $700-800 or more."We initially shadowed families in the early days of ReSchool," Anderson explains, "and that's where it became just a huge aha that kids were spending a lot of time in these spaces outside of school and families were sharing with us, most of the families that we work with are lower income families, that they did not have the same resources."To address this inequity, ReSchool has raised about a million dollars over the past decade, redistributing these funds as "learning dollars" that families can use to access educational experiences their children might otherwise miss.How ReSchool Works: A Multi-Faceted ApproachReSchool's support system includes several key components:Learner AdvocatesThese navigators and coaches work directly with families, helping them identify resources and access the types of educational opportunities their children need. They serve as trusted guides in what can often feel like an overwhelming landscape of options.Learning DollarsThis direct funding program provides families with financial resources to pursue learning experiences and activities for their children. Families have the flexibility to use these funds in ways that best serve their children's unique interests and needs.Resource PlatformsReSchool has created two valuable online tools:Denver Learning Ecosystem: A comprehensive database of Denver-area providers offering out-of-school programmingDiscover Learning: A parent-focused platform where families can input their location and children's interests to find suitable learning providersFamily Choice JournalThis free tool helps families engage in meaningful conversations about their learning interests and needs, then guides them toward finding aligned experiences.The Broader Movement: Education Savings Accounts and Micro-GrantsReSchool's work connects to larger national trends in education funding. Anderson discussed education savings accounts (ESAs) – programs in several states that allow families to access public education funding for private schools or homeschooling resources, provided they leave the traditional public school system.However, Anderson notes that over 80% of the families ReSchool works with choose to remain in the public system. "It's risky for some people to leave," she explains, pointing out that public schools provide transportation, food services, aftercare, and special education supports that families may not receive elsewhere.ReSchool maintains an agnostic stance on these policy debates, focusing instead on supporting families in making the choices that work best for their unique circumstances while highlighting potential equity challenges that can arise.Colorado's Educational InnovationColorado offers various innovative educational pathways, including:Community college integration with high school programsInnovation centers in districts offering career and entrepreneurship focusPath Forward program, allowing early graduates access to up to $4,000 for workforce or academic pathwaysThese options provide students with alternatives to the traditional four-year college track, similar to programs in other states that offer pathways in fields like aviation, automotive mechanics, construction, nursing, and culinary arts.Expanding the Model...

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