GOV. RITTER MAKES CASE FOR DSST COMMENCMENT SPEECH TO PRESIDENT OBAMA

Gov. Bill Ritter today urged President Obama to pick the Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST) as the winner of the Race to the Top Commencement Challenge. DSST is one of only three schools to advance to the finals after public voting concluded last week. On Tuesday, President Obama will announce the winner of the contest and reveal where he will be delivering a commencement speech later this month.
“DSST has consistently been the highest performing secondary school in Colorado, based on growth and absolute performance,” Gov. Ritter says in a letter to the White House. “Simply stated, DSST is demonstrating that all students, regardless of race, family income or background can succeed in high school and be ready for a four year college.

“Building on the success of having 100% of its first three graduating classes admitted to four year colleges, DSST is now embarking on the next chapter of its important work by implementing a plan to replicate the successful model. Last year DSST opened its first middle school. Next year DSST will open another middle school followed by a high school. More schools will follow.”

Click here or go to www.whitehouse.gov/Commencement to view a video submitted by DSST students for the contest or to learn more about the Race to the Top Commencement Challenge.

Here is the complete text of Gov. Ritter’s letter to President Obama:

May 2, 2010
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20500


Dear President Obama,


It is with great pleasure that I write to urge you to select The Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST) for your high school commencement speech. After more than a thousand schools competed in your Commencement Challenge, you are left to choose among three remarkable high schools. While taking nothing away from the other outstanding schools, let me share with you why I hope we will see you in Colorado for the May 29th DSST graduation.


I am certain you know much about DSST from its application: open enrollment using a lottery to randomly select from a pool of any interested student, a broadly diverse student body (47% low income, 49% first generation and 68% minority), and a challenging curriculum with high standards promoted through a culture of core values. DSST has consistently been the highest performing secondary school in Colorado, based on growth and absolute performance. Simply stated, DSST is demonstrating that all students, regardless of race, family income or background can succeed in high school and be ready for a four year college.


What may not be in the application is that DSST is the only finalist that has a STEM curriculum. You have spoken eloquently about the need for more STEM education. This is exactly the DSST model – a STEM curriculum that is preparing the college-ready scientists, engineers, and innovators of the future. Building on the success of having 100% of its first three graduating classes admitted to four year colleges, DSST is now embarking on the next chapter of its important work by implementing a plan to replicate the successful model. Last year DSST opened its first middle school. Next year DSST will open another middle school followed by a high school. More schools will follow.


Mr. President, I hope as you weigh the alternatives, you will consider the importance of highlighting STEM education, and the multiplier effect your speech will have by shining a national spotlight on this school just as DSST is gaining momentum in building more successful schools that will allow more and more students the opportunity to pursue their God-given talents.


Sincerely,
Bill Ritter, Jr.
Governor