Rodel Action Center

Race to the Top Funds Far From Secure

By paulh on 7/20/2009 10:39 AM

When the Delaware General Assemble passed a resolution in support of “Race to the Top” funding from the federal government, it recognized the historic funding opportunity available to states and encouraged our Governor and Secretary of Education to create a competitive application for a share of the $4.35 billion federal fund. US DOE Secretary Duncan has set four broad assurances (in key speeches) that states will have to meet to be considered for funds:

2009 Legislative Recap

By paulh on 7/10/2009 10:28 AM

In a final push before the summer recess, several pieces of the Markell-Denn education reform agenda were passed by the General Assembly, notably bills addressing school performance awards, Delaware’s student assessment system, and financial oversight and transparency for districts. With the passage of these bills, policymakers are well-positioned to pursue an even more aggressive education agenda when the General Assembly re-convenes in January. Below is a re-cap on each of these efforts.

Delaware Can Learn a lot from Teach For America

By johnc on 5/29/2009 2:23 PM

Teach For America (TFA) recently selected Delaware as an expansion site and has a 20-year history of recruiting outstanding individuals into teaching and effectively training them to raise the achievement of the most needy students in the nation.

The Vision Network expands to 28 schools, 20,000 students

By sarahg on 5/14/2009 1:41 PM

Yesterday, Vision 2015 announced that seven more schools are joining the Vision Network. These schools—one elementary, three middle, and three high schools—join 21 others that are implementing the principles of Vision 2015 in their classrooms.

Delaware early childhood education lags neighbors

By madeleineb on 4/23/2009 7:54 AM

The National Institute for Early Education Research just put out their annual ranking of state early childhood programs. See the full report here, some Delaware highlights below, and the full Delaware summary here.

Tough Choices and A Great Opportunity

By paulh on 4/15/2009 8:49 AM

Delaware, like most states, is abuzz with talk about what the education stimulus package will mean for us. This is shaping up to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our schools, and we must make sure these resources are used to their full potential.

Is It Time To Reset Delaware's School Funding System?

By paulh on 3/30/2009 1:54 PM

Is there a silver lining in Delaware's historic economic crisis? The state is projecting a budget shortfall of $750 million-plus for FY2010. This is the highest percentage deficit in the country. It's likely we'll be digging out for years to come and, along the way, experiencing painful consequences in our schools.

But...