Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today released the following statement regarding Secretary of Education Betsy Devos' comments Wednesday at the Brookings Institution, which ranked Denver Public Schools (DPS) first in the nation for school choice:

"Secretary DeVos could not be more wrong about the success of school choice in Denver," Bennet said. "The Brookings Institution recognized DPS as number one in the nation for school choice. Secretary DeVos could learn a lot from DPS's teachers, schools, and leadership. As she continues to settle into her role as Education Secretary, I hope she takes up my offer to visit Denver and see our success firsthand."

In its fifth annual "Education Choice and Competition Index," released Wednesday, the Brookings Institution recognized DPS for its choice system, including its single application process allowing families to consider district-run and charter schools simultaneously. DeVos criticized DPS for "limited choices." Prior to joining the U.S. Senate in 2009, Bennet served as superintendent of DPS.

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