This website has been discontinued. Please visit the new official page: www.VisionCoalitionDE.org

Vision Network FAQ

Who should I contact if I have questions about the Network?

Mark Murphy
Executive Director

Michael Rasmussen
Senior Program Manager

What is the Vision Network?
The Vision Network is a group of Delaware school districts and charter schools that have agreed to pursue the goals and recommendations of Vision 2015, with improving student achievement as the top priority. These model schools are paving the way for every other public school in Delaware.

The Vision Network currently includes 26 schools, representing five districts and four charter schools, with participation from all three of Delaware’s counties. Participants make and receive a multi-year commitment to participate in and benefit from the Network.

Who is leading the Vision Network?
Vision Network districts and schools continue to be led by their own superintendents and principals, who have committed to focus on student achievement. These leaders are being supported by our Network training partners—the Delaware Department of Education and Focus on Results—and Vision Network staff. The Vision Network staff report to the Vision 2015 Implementation Team.

How is the Vision Network being funded?
The Vision Network is funded through generous funding and support from the Delaware Department of Education, Delaware Business Roundtable Education Committee, the Rodel Foundation of Delaware, and the University of Delaware.  Delaware’s winning Race to the Top plan includes funding to substantially expand the Vision Network as a tested and scalable professional development program.

How does the Vision Network relate to the Vision 2015 plan?
Vision 2015 is a comprehensive plan to transform Delaware’s education system. It is based on a commitment to help prepare each and every student for success in school, post-secondary education, the work place, and their communities. Vision Network schools are the “early adopters,” demonstrating the potential of many of the Vision 2015 recommendations. The continuing focus for schools has been improved leadership, instruction, and school culture, as well as on the use of data in decision making, all with a focus on driving student achievement gains.

Will there be opportunities for additional schools and districts to join the Network?
Yes.  The Network’s goal is to expand by identifying and attracting more schools throughout the state that are interested in elevating student learning through the use of proactive, well researched, and proven methods. Race to the Top funding offers the opportunity for more interested schools to start aligning their practices with Vision 2015 recommendations through the Vision Network.

What does the Vision Network mean on a day-to-day basis for participating schools?
 Dramatically increasing student achievement is each Vision Network school’s greatest priority. Schools analyze their data and practices to identify needs, determine their greatest areas of focus, set goals and milestones, attend targeted workshops on those areas of focus, and receive intensive coaching to ensure implementation of improved practices.  Throughout the year, schools collaborate with each other around their successes, problem solve as a group, and have the opportunity to engage more deeply around specific content-based instructional strategies.  For the 2011-2012 school year, the Vision Network and participating schools will focus most deeply on three main areas:

  • Building and strengthening leadership teams.
  • Conducting frequent observation and feedback so that educators can improve student learning and classroom instruction on a day-to-day basis.
  • Improving student culture so that students become involved and invested in their own growth.

How is the Vision Network’s progress evaluated?
An ongoing evaluation is being conducted by the American Institutes for Research (AIR), which was selected for its credibility, thoroughness, national visibility, and experience. AIR’s ongoing evaluation is in its fourth year. For the third year report, click here. The ultimate goal of all Vision Network schools—and the focus of AIR’s evaluation—is to accelerate student achievement by making decisions closer to the student and transforming school leadership and classroom instruction so that they are responsive to the individual needs of all students.

To learn more about the Vision Network, watch this Content Delaware video.