Vision 2015

IMAGINE: the best schools in the world for every student in Delaware.

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Did You Know?
While 40 percent of Delaware’s white 8th graders meet national standards in reading and math, only 13 percent of our African American students do so.

More facts about our schools.

Overview

 

  1. How is Vision 2015 different from previous reforms?
  2. Who created the plan?
  3. Vision 2015 compares student performance in the United States to that of other countries. Why should we care about what other countries are doing?
  4. Delaware's standards are recognized as top-notch, DSTP scores are improving, and educators across the state are doing a lot of great things. Are major changes really necessary?
  5. How does Vision 2015 improve safety and discipline in the schools?
  6. What can I do to support the plan and learn more?

 

 

  1. How is Vision 2015 different from previous reforms?
    Vision 2015 is the most comprehensive plan in the nation, and our goal is to have the best public schools in the world. The plan doesn’t just tinker around the edges of education reform; it addresses every aspect of the system. It builds on the best of what we have done, yet recognizes that we haven't done enough to ensure that all children are prepared for success in life. It has been shaped by a coalition of public, private and civic leaders, and was informed by citizens throughout the state and by research from around the world.

  2. Who created the plan?
    The plan was created by the 28-member Steering Committee which includes top educators and community leaders, as well as large- and small-business leaders who both hire our graduates and, as parents and community leaders, have a personal stake in the success of the upcoming generations. Notably, well over half of the Steering Committee members have been teachers. In addition, about 500 teachers, principals, parents and community representatives participated in work groups and focus group meetings throughout Delaware to help the Steering Committee develop the plan. This plan was written by Delawareans, for Delaware. Two foundations--The Rodel Foundation of Delaware and the Broad Foundation--provided financial and administrative support to the Steering Committee for its work. They did not write the plan, nor do they have the power to change the current system by themselves. The Steering Committee is responsible for the content and recommendations in the plan. And, together, Steering Committee members contributed thousands of hours, along with in-kind resources, to the process.

  3. Vision 2015 compares student performance in the United States to that of other countries. Why should we care about what other countries are doing?
    We should care for both moral and for economic reasons. Morally, many other countries are doing a much better job of providing high-quality universal education to all their students, not just their very best students. And economically, we should care because our graduates are competing increasingly for jobs with their foreign counterparts. Disappointingly, the United States now ranks in the bottom third of more than three dozen nations surveyed on student performance, all of which have "universal" K-12 education rates similar to the U.S. Moreover, no matter how we rank internationally, it is simply unacceptable that one-third of our public school students — and one-half of African American and Hispanic students — fail to graduate from high school.

  4. Delaware's standards are recognized as top-notch, DSTP scores are improving, and educators across the state are doing a lot of great things. Are major changes really necessary?
    Will Rogers said it best many years ago: "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just stand there." Vision 2015 recognizes — and applauds — all of the hard work that has been done to date, but our performance still isn't good enough. Only about 1 in 3 Delaware public school students meets national standards in reading and math. And only about 1 in 4 Delaware public school students who are behind in math in 3rd grade catch up by 10th grade. We have to do better.

  5. How does Vision 2015 improve safety and discipline in the schools?
    The Vision 2015 Steering Committee elected to focus on what will improve student learning and student engagement. We believe that by making learning more relevant and engaging, involving parents, giving principals and teachers more control over what happens in their schools, and providing additional support to students and teachers our schools will be safer and more conducive to learning.

  6. What can I do to support the plan and learn more?

    • Stay up-to-date. Please visit our website (www.vision2015Delaware.org) to stay abreast of news coverage, events, frequently asked questions, and publications. Register to receive email updates.
    • Participate in future events. We will post them on our website.
    • Speak with your school leaders, community groups and your public representatives to communicate your support for Vision 2015, a comprehensive plan to transform public education.
    • Contact Vision 2015 staff. To get the latest information on how to become involved with Vision 2015, please e-mail us at info@vision2015delaware.org.

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Overview | Higher standards, common curriculum | Early childhood education | High-quality teachers Empowered principals | Innovation, parent involvement and accountability | Fairer, simpler funding
Costs | Next steps