Changing of the guard and education in Delaware

While reading the Delaware State News yesterday (Thurs. March 5th), I came across an article entitled Markell Lays out Education Agenda. I just wanted to share some points that I found interesting and how they could benefit gifted education. The first major point is that the state is going to scrap the current DSTP and find an alternative test that would measure progress of each child during the school year. This sounds good but I'm wondering will more time be used to administer tests since they want to check throughout the year? Will it actually allow teachers to teach and not just to the test?

The second point made in the article was wanting to give school districts more flexibility to innovate and offer teachers additiional rewards for excellence. The article didn't really go into depth on what they mean by flexibility. I guess I'm just going to have to try and attend one or more of the "Back to School" briefings with citizens to find out. I urge you to do the same and put forth your questions and concerns for your children's education.

Here are the dates and times of these briefings:
Monday, March 9th from 1-3 at the Tatnall Building, Dover
Topic: Rewarding great teachers and those who volunteer to serve in at-risk districts
Wed., March 11th from 7-9pm at the Tatnall Building, Dover
Topic: Replacing the DSTP with a better system for measuring performance
Tues., March 17th from 11-1pm at the Tatnall Building, Dover
Topic: Allowing districts and schools more funding discretion
Thurs., March 19th from 11-1pm at the Tatnall Building, Dover
Topic: Suggestions for Additions to the agenda

To make the discussion more open and accessible, the Lt. Gov. created a website where people can participate. Go to http://ltgov.delaware.gov for more information.

Thank you for reading and feel free to share any comments here.
Monica