February 8, 2017

Delaware News

Cape Gazette
Third win in six years for Cape Henlopen High School Theatre Academy
Cape Henlopen High School Theatre senior Hannah Lowe won first place in the Delaware state division of the English Speaking Union’s National Shakespeare Competition Jan. 28. Lowe captivated the judges with her powerful performance of Joan de Pucelle’s monologue from “Henry VI Part I.” Martha Pfeiffer, director of the Cape Henlopen Theatre Academy, coached Hannah to prepare for the competition after she won for the school.

Technical.ly Delaware
Talk edtech with teachers across Delaware during Digital Learning Day
In today’s classroom, there are opportunities to teach with hundreds of constantly developing digital technologies. From digital devices to educational software and mobile apps, the potential for teaching applications is extensive. Cue Digital Learning Day.

The News Journal
Some hope, amid fear, in Delaware for DeVos
While many Delawareans expressed concerns over the Senate’s confirmation of Betsy DeVos as education secretary Tuesday, at least some tried to summon up hope for her tenure. State Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown, stands on both sides of the line, he said. One of five state Republicans who signed a letter supporting DeVos, he’s since admitted he’s not confident in her leadership abilities.

Delaware split on school before Labor Day
What’s beginning to look like a national trend — the push to start school after Labor Day — could have an impact not only on the state’s economy but, negatively perhaps, on how much power local school boards have. School calendars have traditionally been set locally, by each district’s elected officials.

Rodel Blog
Early learning is a better investment than the stock market
It’s not just kids, parents, and teachers who feel the impact of our public schools. If you’re a citizen of Delaware, then you are—in one way or another—affected by our state’s education system. Check back regularly as we take a closer look at how When Students Succeed, We All Win. Experts equate a $4-$9 return for every dollar spent on high-quality early learning programs for low-income children. But that’s just the beginning.

5 reasons you should attend ECET2 Delaware
Over the 26 years I have been an educator, I have attended a wide range of professional development workshops, conferences, and seminars. In 2015, I was invited to attend the national Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teaching and Teachers (ECET2) convening. Once I attended, I knew we needed to replicate the experience for Delaware teachers. We all know teachers who go above and beyond for their students every day—and those are the teachers ECET2 is meant to celebrate. Will you and your colleagues plan to join us on February 25 in Dover for this free event?

National News

The Hechinger Report
Is this the way the government can help more students to succeed?
Opinion by Mary Anne Schmitt-Carey, president of Say Yes to Education
As the majority of the estimated 3.5 million high school seniors nationwide prepare to enroll in college or other postsecondary programs next fall, the country’s educational system is bracing for fundamental policy changes from the Trump administration and Congress. Ideally, these will include changes that enable communities to improve their students’ chances of achieving a college degree or career credential.

THE Journal
SC department of ed begins study of charter outcomes
With alternative schools much in the news as the Senate continues considering charter-school advocate Betsy DeVos as President Trump’s choice for Secretary of Education, a new study of South Carolina charters examined how many of its charters were “beating the odds.” A study team made up of researchers from Florida State University and the American Institutes for Research worked with the South Carolina Department of Education to explore what school characteristics could be associated with schools where students do better than expected on the state’s learning standards.

The New York Times
Betsy DeVos confirmed as education secretary; Pence breaks tie
Betsy DeVos, a wealthy Republican donor with almost no experience in public education, was confirmed by the Senate as the nation’s education secretary on Tuesday, but only with the help of a historic tiebreaking vote from Vice President Mike Pence after weeks of protests and two defections within her own party.

USA Today
Betsy DeVos: 5 faith facts to know about the education secretary
The position for which Betsy DeVos has been confirmed — secretary of Education —  is one of the least powerful in the Cabinet, in terms of its budget and position in the line of succession to the presidency. And yet, after a confirmation hearing in which she struggled to answer questions, some Senate offices had received more calls opposing DeVos than any other Cabinet nominee.

WBOC
Potential showdown on teacher pay looming in Virginia
Virginia state employees could be getting their biggest overall raise in nine years, but a showdown could be looming between Gov. Terry McAuliffe and some Republicans over teacher pay. Republican budget leaders in the GOP-controlled General Assembly released their proposed budgets Sunday.