Delaware must decide to remodel its current house or build a completely new house. That’s the analogy used to describe needed changes to how the state funds its public schools by Michael Griffith, senior researcher and policy analyst at the Learning Policy Institute. He repeatedly used this mantra Thursday during the first formal meeting of the Public Education Funding Commission, …
With an 8.6% increase in state education funding for fiscal year 2025, which began July 1, the Delaware General Assembly continued its trend of passing legislation specific to the state’s schools. There were dozens of educational bills passed this legislative year, which concluded June 30. From college scholarships to improving school climate to establishing a commission to evaluate how schools …
On the heels of the state championships for many high school sports, the Delaware legislature is considering distinct title games for public and private schools. Senate Bill 328, sponsored by Sen. Eric Buckson, R-Dover, directs the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association to separate all public and private school team championship sanctioned events. “The bill in and of itself is somewhat offensive …
Several leaders from charter schools spoke at the state’s legislative hall in support of a bill that allows them flexibility in hiring. Senate Bill 311, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola, D-Newark, provides the ability for charter schools to hire the administrators that they deem beneficial to the success of the school’s education program and the needs of …
Although just 31% of students in Delaware are proficient in math and 41% are proficient in English language arts, the graduation rate in First State high schools is 88%. “While Delaware’s graduation rate is encouraging, understanding achievement requires a deeper look at student growth throughout their K-12 experience,” said Julia Keleher, chief strategy and operating officer for First State Educate, …
In a light year for school board races, 19 candidates are vying for eight open seats across eight of the state’s 19 school districts. This year’s election is Tuesday, May 14, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Last year, 43 candidates ran for 23 vacancies across 16 school districts. In 2022, 42 candidates competed for 19 open …
One might find it hard to believe that laundry, driver’s ed and athletic travel and equipment are considered “instructional costs” in Delaware public schools, but they are. Instruction is one of nine categories of funding for the First State’s public schools. It makes up 55.28% of the spending for the 23-24 school year, totaling $1,584,970,346, according to the Delaware State …
An all-day event for students to explore the various educational opportunities in Delaware is coming to a state college later this month. The National School Choice Awareness Foundation is having dozens of school fairs across the country in January for National School Choice Week 2024. Independently planned by local organizations, these events provide parents with the opportunity to meet with …
Delaware pours billions of dollars into education each year, only to receive stressful news like some of the lowest standardized test scores in the country. A number of Delaware nonprofits devoted to improving education in the state want to see more impact for the state in jobs, test scores and another areas. Some have specific focuses such as encouraging more …
Two dozen leaders from state and national educational organizations on Monday got a sneak peek of potential recommendations on how Delaware should fund schools. A report by the American Institutes for Research, being paid for by the Delaware Department of Education and designed to help guide state recommendations on changing the way schools are funded is expected to be released …
