Benefits for Parents and Families
Vision 2015 demonstrates an unprecedented commitment to provide a world-class education to every Delaware student. Specifically, as a parent or family member, you can expect:
A wider range of school options and course offerings that better meet the interests and needs of your child...schools that focus on arts and music, or science or technology...or languages...or that offer courses online, 24/7.
Annual performance pledges, to be signed by the parent/guardian, teacher and student, so that everyone has the same expectations for results.
A wide range of print and online tools to keep you informed and involved, plus a statewide "equity advocate" whose job it is to ensure that all parents and families have access and know how to get the most out of a full range of tools and programs.
Training for parent leaders to become advocates for their child and all children, and to help keep other parents connected with school issues.
More internships and other real-world projects for your child. Business and community organizations across the state will be working closely with local schools to develop programs that make learning more relevant - whether it's learning math by doing field research, learning to write by working for the newspaper, learning science by doing lab work, learning music through the local orchestra or any number of possibilities.
Clear learning standards so that you and your child will know exactly what he or she is expected to know and be able to do in every grade, in every subject. And challenging courses that prepare your child for college and/or careers.
Teachers trained and mentored...so they know their subjects well and are better able to make them interesting to students.
Local principals who have more control over staffing, budgets and resources, and are more accountable to parents, families and the local community for getting results.
And a much better chance that your child and other Delaware children will graduate from high school and go on to college or get a good job...and have more opportunities to pursue their dreams, support their families and strengthen their communities.
Everything will not happen in year one. This is a long-term plan that will take years to fully implement. But by 2015, we hope all of these benefits will be in place all across the state.
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But under Vision 2015, there's no "free lunch." Parents and families will need to be more involved. Students will have to work hard to get good grades. And you will need to work closely with your child's teachers and principals to help your child succeed. No exceptions, no excuses.