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.
OUR VISION
An excellent and equitable public education system that supports all Delawareans to achieve success in school and life.
OUR FOCUS
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.
LEARN MORESocial 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.
LEARN MOREEarly 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.
LEARN MOREFunding 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.
LEARN MOREEducator 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.
LEARN MOREMultilingual 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.
LEARN MOREMOVING FORWARD
WHERE RODEL IS HEADING
Things are changing in education and at Rodel. See where things are headed.
LEARN MOREWORK 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.
START NOWTAKE ACTION
Equitable, student-centered funding is foundational to moving Delaware forward. Learn the facts and contact your legislator today.
GET INVOLVEDWhat 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.
NEW AND NOTEWORTHY
An educator survey conducted across Delaware reveals how educators would improve the system: More equitable distribution of funding, increased overall funding, and improved transparency in funding allocation. See the full survey results: bit.ly/3AoAyzx