October 20, 2015
Delaware News
The News Journal
Business leaders act as principals for a day
Since 1993, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s education arm, the Partnership Inc., has used Principal for a Day to give business and government leaders an inside look at what goes on in the state’s schools. The program has more than 100 participants this year, including such big names as U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons; Major Gen. Francis Vavala, head of the Delaware National Guard; and Bank of America executive Chip Rossi.
A new approach to disciplining, punishing kids
If Delaware wants to address disparities in its criminal justice system, it must reform the way it disciplines and punishes kids, advocates for youth and schools say. Harsh punishments like out-of-school suspensions, expulsions and arrests should be used only when absolutely necessary, they argue. For lesser offenses, the education and justice systems should instead try to support troubled youth and teach better behavior.
Reading, writing and mental health care
Opinion by Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman, former president of the American Psychiatric Association
Indeed, in deciding which college to attend, mental health services likely never crossed the minds of must parents and students. The unfortunately reality is that most schools are ill-prepared to meet the needs of their students and lack adequate, much less optimal, services.
Delaware Public Media
Feds say Delaware graduation rate on the rise
Preliminary data from the U.S. Department of Education says the First State’s graduation rate went up substantially. According to the feds, Delaware saw the biggest rise in graduation rate of any state, jumping from 80.4 percent in the 2012-2013 school year to 87 percent in 2013-2014 – the most recent school year measured.
Tax referendum passes in Caesar Rodney School District
Voters in the Caesar Rodney School District said “yes” to a tax referendum Saturday. District residents will pay an additional 57 cents per $100 of assessed property value over the next 5 years to bolster Caesar Rodney’s operating budget and pay for a series of building projects.
WHYY
Delaware philanthropy group launches website to better understand community issues
The Delaware Community Foundation has launched the state’s first comprehensive, statewide community indicator project. During an announcement at the Grand Opera House in Wilmington Monday, the philanthropy organization introduced DelawareFocus.org, which will provide statistics on topics like health, education and the economy.
WDEL
New website compiles community indicators throughout Delaware
Fred Sears, president and CEO of DCF, outlined what the database will catalogue. “The website is actually taking 71 indicators of life and health, and education, the environment, the arts in Delaware,” he listed. “We believe once the data is out there, it’ll spur some conversation around issues that need a focus in Delaware, need more help in Delaware, need the issues raised in Delaware.”
Most states show increase in high school graduation rates; Delaware near the top
The Education Department said high school graduation rates for most states continued to improve. Many states also are showing gains for black and Hispanic students. The department said preliminary data shows graduation rates are up in 36 states for the 2013-2014 school year. The biggest gains were in Delaware, Alabama, Oregon, West Virginia and Illinois.
Brandywine School District maintenance employees get new deal
A new collective bargaining agreement between Brandywine’s School District and its preventative maintenance employees was unanimously approved at Monday night’s monthly school board meeting.
Dover Post
Caesar Rodney residents pass $27.8 million referendum
The residents of Caesar Rodney School District approved the $27.8 million referendum 1,939 to 1,711.
The Washington Post
This charter school opened Aug. 24. It’s already considered closing.
Blog post by Valerie Strauss
Just weeks after opening with some 215 students, the Delaware Met Charter School in Wilmington is already in so much trouble with, well, nearly everything, that it considered closing. The state Education Department is jumping on the problem, but this story makes you wonder how the school’s operators were given permission to open the charter to begin with.
Delaware Department of Education
Delaware leads nation in graduation rate gains
Press release
Delaware made the greatest gains in high school graduation rates between 2013 and 2014, the U.S. Department of Education announced Monday. The First State, which saw its rate increase from 80 percent in 2013 to 87 percent in 2014, led five states cited by the report as having made the greatest gains. Also cited were Alabama, Oregon, West Virginia and Illinois.
National News
The Chronicle of Higher Education
High-School diploma options multiply, but may not set up students for college success
For too many students, high-school diplomas are “tickets to nowhere” that offer “false assurances” that graduates are ready for college or a job, according to a report released on Monday. The report, “How the States Got Their Rates,” was issued by Achieve, a nonprofit group that works with states to raise academic standards and graduation requirements. As states try to increase their high-school graduation rates and tailor programs to different goals, the number of diploma options has become “incredibly complex,” the report notes. It’s not always clear to students and their parents which ones are likely to set them up for success, said Michael Cohen, president of Achieve.
Office of the First Lady
The First Lady announces “Better Make Room” campaign
A press release
The First Lady launched her Reach Higher initiative to inspire every student in America to take charge of their future by completing their education past high school, whether at a professional training program, a community college, or a four-year college or university. That is why, as part of her Reach Higher initiative, the First Lady is announcing a new public awareness campaign, Better Make Room, to target Generation Z, or young people ages 14-19, to celebrate education, change the national conversation, and reach students directly where they are and give them a space to create content while also navigating the college-going process.
State Impact
Need teachers? Some suggest looking outside traditional programs
Some say the road less traveled might be the best route for finding new faces to add to Indiana’s teaching force. Indiana faces a teacher shortage, and state policymakers have been searching for solutions since the issue came to their attention late last spring. Lawmakers received a slew of recommendations during a meeting of the General Assembly‘s Interim Study Committee on Education Monday.
Education Dive
Why K-12 should leverage higher ed for STEM instruction
Utah State University recently received $16.4 million in federal funds, plus $16.4 million in matching funds from state and local partners, to establish a GEAR UP program in 11 Utah schools. Beginning in seventh grade, students in those schools will receive academic counseling, mentorship, job site visits, and other opportunities intended to help them understand the opportunities available after graduation and get where they want to go.
Time Magazine
How community colleges changed the whole idea of education in America
Community colleges have been at the forefront of nearly every major development in higher education.