In January, we reported on the LEAD Committee's Cost Efficiency Study, which identified tens of millions of dollars within the current public education budget that could be "spent smarter" each year to directly impact student achievement.

Vision 2015's top priorities for reinvesting these dollars include early childhood education, expanding the Vision Network of schools and districts, and hiring more math and science teachers for high-need schools. These priorities are aligned with many of the Governor's and General Assembly's priorities and initiatives.

Progress has been made over the past year and a half toward building the foundation for a world-class education system in Delaware; however, our work has only begun. Stay tuned for updates as Vision 2015 continues to push for the recommendations of the cost efficiency study to be implemented.

Visionaries

"This [cost reallocation study] was a very important investment by the business community, yet one that we believe will help every child in Delaware. This level of research and analysis is unprecedented, and we are looking forward to working with policymakers to ensure the reallocation of funds toward the priorities set forth in Vision 2015.”

-- Connie Bond Stuart, LEAD Committee member and President of PNC Bank Delaware, and Ann Wick, Chair of Delaware Early Childhood Council. "Off to a great start even before school," The News Journal, February 22, 2008.

Did You Know?

The writing scores of third graders at Maple Lane Elementary School increased by 34% after 3 years of additional instructional time and increased participation in enrichment activities. Learn more about Maple Lane's "balanced calendar" and its positive impact on student achievement.

Students scored an average of 8.8 scale-score points higher on the 2006 PISA (Program for International Student Assessment of the OECD) for each additional hour of instruction that they received per week.

Source: "PISA Results Scoured for Secrets to Better Science Scores."

The Rodel Foundation of Delaware is asking the state’s 8th-12th grade public school students to craft a creative, thought-provoking response about the future of their public school education with the chance to win scholarship money. For more information Your Vision Your Voice contest, visit the website. Entries will be accepted until March 31, 2008.

Research

Expanded Learning Time (ELT) creates opportunities for schools to provide more thorough instruction in core subject areas, as well as personalized attention for students who need remediation or enrichment opportunities. Research demonstrates the positive impact of a lengthened school day on academic achievement.

Ten public schools across Massachusetts increased their school schedules during the 2006-2007 school year. Early results show that across all three subject areas, students in ELT schools achieved greater gains in proficiency on the state test after the school day was lengthened than before. The ELT student proficiency rate grew 44% in Math, 39% in English Language Arts, and 19% in Science. ELT schools also increased the percentage of students at or above proficiency in English Language Arts by 10.8%, while the state as a whole gained only 3.5%.

Enrichment opportunities were expanded significantly across all schools, in many cases through partnerships with community organizations. The lengthened school day also offered teachers expanded planning and collaboration time. Teacher and parent surveys revealed high satisfaction rates.

Source: "Time for a New Day: Broadening Opportunities for Massachusetts Schoolchildren"

School-Business Partnerships Support Teacher Development

The Teacher Externship Program gives Delaware classroom teachers the opportunity to work with local businesses to develop and sharpen skills they need to enhance their instruction. This intensive three day experience for teachers helps them connect the real-world expectations of industry to the classroom practices they use every day. The program is a partnership between the Business, Industry, Education Alliance; Delaware Department of Education; and Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and is coordinated by the BIE Alliance.

Learn more.

Contact

To get the latest information on how to become involved with Vision 2015, please visit our web site: www.vision2015delaware.org or e-mail us at info@vision2015delaware.org.