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We partner to transform public education.

WHO WE ARE

We believe a great education changes everything—from the life of a young person to the health and vibrancy of a community. A great education opens up worlds of opportunities, strengthens economies, and promotes civic engagement. It changes everything.

At Rodel, we’re working to build an excellent and equitable public education system that supports all Delawareans to achieve success in school and life. 

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OUR VISION

An excellent and equitable public education system that supports all Delawareans to achieve success in school and life.

OUR FOCUS

Rodel partners with policymakers, the private sector, philanthropy, and practitioners to make systemic changes that can improve students’ lives. Read about all our areas of work here. Below are six of our current priorities:

Postsecondary Success

National research indicates that by 2025, around 70% of family-sustaining jobs in Delaware will require at least some education beyond high school. Today, less than 60% of our 25-year-olds have that level of training.

We work with partners to provide students with options for life after high school—college, training, careers, or all of the above.

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Social and Emotional Learning

Academics are critical but so is a child’s social and emotional development. It’s important young people receive holistic educational experiences that maximize who they are as individuals.

Rodel is committed to improving social and emotional learning in Delaware through our work with the Rodel Teacher Council and other organizations.

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Early Childhood Education

All Delawareans reap the benefits when our youngest receive high-quality early education.

We are focused on improving the early childhood education experience for all children through our research, grassroots advocacy, and policy work.

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Funding and Equity

The system Delaware employs to fund its public schools is more than 70 years old. It was built decades before desegregation and the introduction of technology.

Our students deserve a modern, flexible funding system that suits their unique needs.

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Educator Support & Development

Great teachers and school leaders are at the core of a world-class education, and research shows they are the most important in-school factors impacting student learning. Rodel is committed to helping Delaware recruit, train, and retain a talented and diverse teaching workforce.

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Multilingual Learners

Delaware is one of four states that does not provide additional state resources to English learners – students who come from non-English speaking homes and backgrounds. As the number of English learners in the state continues to grow, we need to better understand this population of students so we can effectively and equitably meet their needs.

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MOVING FORWARD

WHERE RODEL IS HEADING

Things are changing in education and at Rodel. See where things are headed.

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WORK WITH US

We ALIGN community leaders with good data and leading-edge ideas, CATALYZE action by providing strategic resources, and DRIVE ideas to scale through communication and advocacy.

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TAKE ACTION

Equitable, student-centered funding is foundational to moving Delaware forward. Learn the facts and contact your legislator today.

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What will it take for America’s kids to compete at a global level?

Rodel president and CEO Paul Herdman asked at TEDxWilmington, “What will it take for America’s kids to compete at a global level?” Click to hear Paul discuss his personal experiences as a teacher in a high-needs community, delving into education policy, and building Rodel.

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