New Milestones for Vision 2015

Virtual Learning Supports Vision 2015 Recommendations

Launched in January 2008, the Delaware Virtual School Pilot Program includes 232 high school students from across the state enrolled in online courses offered by Apex Learning and Florida Virtual School. Diverse course offerings available to students include Algebra I, Pre-Calculus, Spanish I, Spanish II, Physical Fitness, and American Government. The Virtual School initiative demonstrates additional progress toward the Vision 2015 recommendation to "set our sights high" by providing expanded online distance learning to Delaware students and allowing for 24/7 learning opportunities.

Progress Toward a Quality Start for All Delawareans

Vision Network Leader Promotes Institute to Benefit Delaware’s Teachers

Dr. Steve Godowsky, a Vision Network leader and Superintendent of the New Castle County Vo-Tech School District, authored an article in the Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute publication entitled “Creating a Delaware Teacher Institute." The article points out that the Delaware efforts replicate the success of a similar Yale-New Haven partnership. School districts across New Castle County are exploring regional institutes in partnership with the University of Delaware that focus on “content expertise and effective delivery of instruction.” Regional professional development centers were identified as a 2008 priority by Vision 2015 leaders.

Dr. Godowsky hopes that a Delaware Teachers Institute of professional development will become “one of the key initiatives on the path to creating the best schools for our students.”

Learn more about the Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute.

"As we move forward, education is the single most important investment in the future successes of individuals and our nation. It is an exciting time to be a teacher, and I am eager to be a part of many continued conversations about what is best for the children of our country."

--Courtney Fox, Delaware's Teacher of the Year, Brandywine Review, March 2008

Ninety-seven percent of Delaware's 11th graders believe they will complete high school -- and most believe they will complete postsecondary education -- but only 64 percent of students complete high school on time.* Center for Drug and Alcohol Studies, University of Delaware; Editorial Projects in Education.

*Based on Cumulative Promotion Index. (Graduation rates vary based on formula used.)

Research: Kids Count Releases Delaware Data

Delaware Kids Count released its 2008 Fact Book on April 7. Among the data elements categorized as "cause for applause" were:

• All eligible 4-year-olds were served by Head Start of the Early Childhood Assistant program (ECAP) in 2007. Vision 2015 recommends expanding eligibility to all 3- and 4-year-olds within 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Early childhood education is one the immediate priorities for Vision 2015 and Governor Minner's priority for reinvestment of savings found through the recent LEAD cost reallocation study.
  
• The number of public school students taking AP courses increased by 144% between 2001 and 2006, and the participation rate among blacks and Hispanics increased. Vision 2015 recommends increasing opportunities to earn college credit for high school students, and making Delaware's standards more challenging, relevant, and rigorous. Vision 2015 applauds the success of the AP Incentive and Gear Up Programs, as well as efforts by schools and districts to enroll more students in rigorous coursework.

While the data indicates that children in Delaware are better off today than a decade ago, child poverty is still a cause for concern:

• Low-income students and students with disabilities are about 18 percent less likely to graduate from high school than those who are not low income or disabled. Vision 2015 recommends directing financial resources to students based on individual needs -- including those who are low-income and those with disabilities -- as well as English language learners and gifted students. A number of groups have endorsed this concept, including the Delaware Public Policy Institute, Equalization Committee, Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, and the Class Size and Unit Allocation Task Force. The LEAD Committee is currently exploring the implementation of such a finance model.

The News Journal, April 8, 2008 "Del.'s child poverty rate rises in '07"

Inquiry-Based Learning through Science Kits

Beginning in 1995 with a significant grant from the National Science Foundation, Science Kits have become integral to Delaware’s science curriculum. Now supported by the Delaware Science Coalition, a partnership among the Department of Education, 18 Delaware school districts, several charter and private schools, and representatives of the Delaware business community, the kits emphasize an inquiry-based approach to science instruction through hands-on experiences. The program offers 48 different kits, teaching a wide array of concepts that range from chemistry, physics, and astronomy to biology, genetics, and ecology. Over the last several years, Delaware students in grades 4, 6, 8, and 11 who have used the kits have shown consistent gains in DSTP Science scores.

How does it work?

Science Kits provide students with detailed, inquiry-based, and hands-on science instruction while also allowing teachers to work collaboratively through each activity and share ideas before they present lessons to their students. The concepts presented in the kits correlate with Delaware’s eight Science Standards, or themes, which include many areas of the life, earth, and physical sciences. 

Read more.

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.