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 will pave the way for every other public school in Delaware.
The Vision Network currently includes 21 schools, representing six 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 Academy for School Leadership at the University of Delaware, 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 being funded through generous funding and support from the Delaware Business Roundtable, JPMorgan Chase, the Rodel Foundation of Delaware, the University of Delaware, Delaware Department of Education, Delaware Community Foundation, and The Wallace Foundation.
Where is the Vision Network today?
Two more Delaware school districts (with nine schools each) and two more public charter schools have joined the expanding Network of districts and schools that are beginning to implement the recommendations of Vision 2015. Doubled in size from last year, the Vision Network now includes 21 schools serving 14,000 students in all three counties in Delaware. The Network will continue to receive training and other support throughout the 2008-09 school year.
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. The Vision Network will be the "early adopters," demonstrating the potential of many of the Vision 2015 recommendations. Their initial focus will be on improved leadership and instruction, as well as on the use of data in decision making, all with a focus on improving student achievement.
How were the participating schools and districts selected?
Participating districts and charter schools were invited to pursue a readiness process with a Review Team of Vision 2015 leaders. Selection was based on several factors, including the district or school’s belief in the need for change; its commitment to taking action; its aspirations for all of its students; its alignment with Vision 2015 recommendations; and the capability, stability, and collaborative skills of its leadership. A range of grade levels, geographic regions, and percentages of low-income students also was sought by the team.
What are the plans for schools and districts that do not participate in the first cohort? Will there be opportunities for additional schools and districts to join the Network?
The initial goal of the Vision Network is to work with schools that will pave the way for the rest of the state. In 2008 a second cohort is planned. By the 2015 school year, the goal is for all Delaware schools to participate in the Network.
What will the Vision Network mean on a day-to-day basis for participating schools?
Participating schools' leadership teams will receive regular professional development and coaching focused on data-driven decision making and instruction. School leaders will work together to tighten their school leadership teams' focus on instruction and improve support of classroom educators in implementing best practice instructional strategies.
What is the Delaware Department of Education's commitment to and role in the Vision Network?
Delaware's Secretary of Education, Valerie A. Woodruff, represents the Department of Education on the Vision 2015 Implementation Team, which created and oversees the Vision Network.
The Department of Education actively supports Network schools and districts, particularly through regulatory flexibility. Secretary Woodruff has stated that "the Department of Education stands ready to provide support for this important initiative." She acknowledges that federal and state regulations and laws present barriers to schools and districts, but "my staff and I stand ready to work with [Vision districts and schools] to figure out what waivers may need to be granted and what regulations need to be changed in order to accomplish the goals you set as part of the Vision Network."
