Vision Network Superintendent to Lead Delaware Schools

Congratulations to Dr. Lillian Lowery, recently appointed by Governor Markell as Delaware’s new secretary of education. Christina School District superintendent since 2006, Dr. Lowery has “a great perspective on the needs of kids,” according to Governor Markell and “will be a great asset…as we work to make Delaware’s education system as effective and efficient as possible during these tough economic times.”

Under Dr. Lowery’s leadership, all seven of the Christina School District’s middle and high schools became part of the Vision Network in 2008. Given the tremendous support that Dr. Lowery has shown for Vision 2015, we are optimistic that she will make it a high priority to pursue the goal of world class schools for every Delaware student.

When speaking about her district’s participation in the Vision Network, Dr. Lowery said, "It has improved our school leaders and taught us how to best use our time. It has also taught us how to use data effectively to improve student achievement. I really respect Vision 2015 and admire the work they've done."

"Christina chief to lead Del. Schools," The News Journal, January 20, 2009.

"Christina superintendent to be secretary of education nominee," The News Journal, January 19, 2009.

Students Inspired by Historic Election

On January 20, Delaware teachers used the inauguration of President Obama and Vice President Biden as a teaching opportunity, playing live broadcasts of the historic event in their classrooms and using technology to help provide historical context. Many students from schools across the state even had the opportunity to attend the inauguration, including a contingent from the Vision Network’s Howard High School of Technology.

“Students and educators look for inauguration lessons,” The Community News, January 11, 2009.

“Watching history unfold,” The News Journal, January 21, 2009.

No Child… Sparks Discussion among Delaware Educators

Thanks to a partnership between the Rodel Foundation and the Delaware Theatre Company, more than 200 teachers received free tickets to the Theatre’s production of No Child…, a powerful dramatization of education issues being addressed in classrooms in Delaware and throughout the U.S. Teachers were also invited to pre-show, behind-the-scenes discussions, made possible by the Rodel Foundation.

“The forum provided an excellent opportunity for colloquial conversation among teachers and a wonderfully enjoyable evening…to see a fabulous performance,” stated one participating teacher.

Based on Nilaja Sun’s experiences as a teaching artist in some of New York City’s toughest public schools, No Child… presents an inspiring encounter with a group of students too often written off as low-achievers. The play runs through Sunday, February 1, at the Delaware Theatre Company in Wilmington.

“An actor’s special stage,” The News Journal, January 16, 2009.

VISION-aries

“We will spend smarter. We will demand accountability from top to bottom. We will retain, recruit, and train the best teachers in America - and we will reward them for carrying out the most valuable job in Delaware. We will demand the performance, promote the innovation, and provide the flexibility to make every school in this state great.”

--Governor Markell, in his Inaugural Address, underscoring Vision 2015 principles.

“Many states, including Delaware, unfortunately have a "Drop Out Factory.” This new term is a high school where no more than 60 percent of the students who start as freshmen make it through their senior year. In Delaware, 2,200 high school students dropped out last year….This is unacceptable…. I believe we can and we must successfully address the challenges faced by our state's youth.”

--George Krupanski, Executive Director, Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware, in The News Journal opinion editorial, “We are our brother’s – and our children’s – keeper,” January 22, 2009.