1. How has your background prepared you for your role as Delaware’s Secretary of Education?
I have been a Delaware educator for nearly 40 years. As a teacher, administrator and superintendent, I have worked with the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) in different capacities and know how decisions made at the state level impact classrooms. My experience has revealed that all students are capable of success when given the appropriate supports. Having this firsthand knowledge of what our students need, how educators can be more effective, and how DDOE can better support districts and charters is critical in my role as secretary.
2. What are some things Delaware has been able to achieve in the last few years?
Recent achievements include:
“¢ Delaware’s receipt of the highest federal rating for its special education services.
“¢ More students scoring “proficient”
in mathematics and English language
arts (ELA).
“¢ The highest percentage yet of student participation in statewide math and ELA assessments.
“¢ Over 10 percent of its kindergartners being enrolled in language-immersion programs.
“¢ Significant increases in initiatives such as access to summer food programs and trauma-informed assistance to provide students and families.
“¢ Being the first state to gain U.S. Department of Education’s approval
of its Every Student Succeeds
(ESSA) plan.
“¢ The creation of DDOE’s new Office of Improvement & Innovation to support Delaware’s lowest-performing schools, particularly those in the city
of Wilmington.
3. How do you measure your success?
The effectiveness of my role is measured by students’ successes. Multiple measures at the local and state levels such as academic assessment data, pathways completion and graduation rates determine if students are meeting targets. We provide students with resources including free and reduced meals, emotional assistance and English language supports to facilitate academic success. My leadership effectiveness will be further determined by how well the DDOE team supports districts and charters in meeting the diverse needs of their populations so that every student is prepared for life after high school.
4. What will the anti-discrimination guidelines address?
DDOE is developing an anti-discrimination regulation and a model policy for either adoption or revision at the local level that will provide guidance on prohibiting discrimination in educational programs and student activities. A diverse group of stakeholders DDOE has assembled to complete the task will determine that content. In late September and early October, the department will hold a series of community conversations – one in each county and one in the city of Wilmington – to solicit additional feedback and meet the tight turnaround timeline; work must be concluded by mid-October.
5. What will take center stage for DDOE over the next year?
DDOE is evolving into a more supportive service agency. For instance, while the department continues to ensure every educator is following state and federal requirements, staff members strive to marry compliance activities with a deepened understanding of why the work is important and what supports are available to improve student outcomes. DDOE is also fully committed to making effective supports and resources easily available to every Delaware educator so that Delaware students have more opportunities to thrive in the classroom.
