International Education Expert Sir Michael Barber Eyes the Future of Delaware’s Schools
Register Today!
Architect of the acclaimed transformation of the UK's public education system, Sir Michael Barber will outline steps Delaware can take to reach its own world-class goals at the University of Delaware’s third "Creating Knowledge-Based Partnerships" conference. Focusing on the theme, Delaware Education for a Global Economy: Making Vision 2015 Work, the conference will take place Thursday, October 2, 2008 at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall in Newark. A live interactive broadcast of the conference will be shown at the Carvel Research and Education Center in Georgetown.
Senior advisor to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Barber will present the keynote address at the conference, which will examine the critical links between a strong public education system, the economic prosperity of our state, and health of our communities. The event will also feature local, national and international experts’ discussions on the steps required to implement Vision 2015 fully.
Panel discussions will explore the educational needs of emerging businesses and global companies; the elements necessary for a world-class early childhood education system; and the work that is being done right now in Delaware schools and districts through the Vision Network.
Skip Schoenhals, Chair of Vision 2015, will lay out the challenges and benefits of transforming Delaware’s public education system, and the gubernatorial candidates will respond with their commitments.
Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit the conference website.
Welcome Back to School!
Vision 2015 wishes all students, parents, administrators, and school personnel a happy, healthy, and successful school year!
Preparing Delaware's Children for Success in School and Life
“Indicators for Early Success,” the most recent report from KIDS COUNT in Delaware, details the status of children ages birth through five in Delaware based on key measures such as health care, nurturing early relationships, family economic security, and quality early learning experiences.
The study provides statewide benchmarks for reliable indicators that can track progress in building early childhood systems and coordinating policy and services in Delaware.
The study was made possible by a grant from the Delaware Division of Public Health’s Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems (ECCS) Initiative.
Read the report.
Did You Know?
More than one-quarter (28%) of students entering college require remedial course work, according to a 2006 report by the U.S. Department of Education. Of students entering public two-year colleges, 42% required remedial work. Deficits in basic skills cost businesses, colleges, and underprepared high school graduates up to $16 billion annually in lost productivity and remedial training.
Source: Lumina Foundation for Education, 2005. "Course Corrections: Experts Offer Solutions to the College Cost Crisis." |
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Vision Network School Featured on WBOC-TV
Indian River High School Principal Mark Steele introduced the public to the school’s innovative Twilight Program in a WBOC-TV evening news segment on September 4. Supported by a $30,000 Vision Network grant, the Twilight Program is a curriculum designed to fulfill missing credits and accelerate student achievement.
View the video.
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VISION-aries
“I’d like to make sure that every kid that enters our high school graduates in four years – that’s our ultimate goal – and to make the dropout rate nonexistent….There’s a lot on the line, and I’m thankful for Vision2015 coming through when we really, really needed it.”
-- Indian River High School principal Mark Steel on WBOC-TV, talking about the school’s $30,000 Vision Network grant. (Visit the box above to watch the video.)
Research
Students who achieve a combined verbal and math SAT score of 1180 are likely (65% probability) to earn a first year Grade Point Average of 2.7 or higher, according to the College Board. Only about 25% of college-bound seniors from across the country meet this college-ready benchmark.
In 2007, while gains were made, students in Delaware earned a combined average of 950 on the SAT.
More on Delaware’s SAT scores: The News Journal, “Gains made in Del. SAT averages,” August 31, 2008.
Sources: College Board Office of Research and Analysis, 2007. Determining "SAT Benchmarks for College Readiness"; Delaware Department of Education, 2008.
Etta J. Wilson Elementary School Wins Blue Ribbon Award
Literacy Lab Helping to Improve Students' Writing
Etta J. Wilson Elementary School in the Christiana School District created a Literacy Lab to raise writing scores on the DSTP. Through its enhanced focus on a combination of reading, writing and technology, the Literacy Lab is helping the school meet the educational needs of all learners and improve student writing.
How does it work?
Students use the computers to write in every class based on teacher-directed assignments, which are then shared with other students for their comments and feedback. The use of technology enables students to give feedback quickly, and encourages them to write more. Students can share their work outside the classroom via the school PA system, and parents can use the Internet to access their children's work at home. This approach fosters a community of writers and pushes students to strive for excellent written communication across all subject areas.
Read more.
Save the Date!
The Boys & Girls Club of Delaware’s Day for Kids will take place on Saturday, September 20 from noon to 6:00 p.m. at the Wilmington Riverfront. The free event features rides and activities, live entertainment, and refreshments. All proceeds from Day for Kids benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware.
Contact
To get the latest information on how to become involved with Vision 2015, please visit www.vision2015delaware.org or e-mail us at info@vision2015delaware.org.
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