The Christina School District board has perfected the art of pushing paperwork that produces little progress for Wilmington students. Last week, its members signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Gov. Carney’s office designed to take a bolder approach to education in a district whose graduation rate has dropped each of the last three years … Continue reading Why the reforms Wilmington’s kids need are sure to fail
Rich folks aren’t preparing their kids for construction jobs
The News Journal editorial board recently called for making Delaware a place where every student “has a fair shot at higher education.” Delaware’s elites responded with a call for more vocational education and many more construction workers. But in their demand for a focus on trades, are they really creating a system with different postsecondary … Continue reading Rich folks aren’t preparing their kids for construction jobs
Delaware is lying to its babies and toddlers
A few weeks ago, I celebrated my birthday and my two-and-a-half-year-old daughter sang “Happy Birthday” to me...in English and then in Spanish. As she belted out “cumpleaños feliz,” I was reminded that one of my greatest gifts is the opportunity to watch her learn and grow. It is a gift to see and support her … Continue reading Delaware is lying to its babies and toddlers
When public meetings are super secret
Much to my wife’s disappointment, everything that bears an organic label in the grocery store is not really organic. Likewise, much to the disappointment of everyday Delawareans who want a say in the education policy process, everything called “public” isn't really public. For example, we have “public” schools and districts governed by board members elected … Continue reading When public meetings are super secret
Carney’s first veto will make headlines. Kids need headway.
Last week, I called for conviction from Carney’s administration. Today, Governor Carney acted upon his convictions and vetoed legislation (HS 1 for HB 85) that removed Delaware public charter schools’ ability to give preference to families within a five-mile radius. This will no doubt elevate the fierce debate around this legislation to a new level … Continue reading Carney’s first veto will make headlines. Kids need headway.
Delaware’s kids need conviction not compromise from Carney’s administration
The picture of Governor Carney proudly parading a signed budget bill accompanied by applauding legislators from both parties will be one of the lasting images of Carney’s first legislative session. The smiles and the across the aisle high-fives were the climax of a contentious negotiation process that required overtime to pass a $4 billion budget … Continue reading Delaware’s kids need conviction not compromise from Carney’s administration
Why Carney’s administration should stay the course on school report cards
Governor Carney and Delaware’s Department of Education are about to make it easier for Delaware families to know how their schools are performing. But only if groups such as Delaware’s teachers’ union (DSEA) are not able to impose their will behind the scenes. The Delaware Department of Education recently sided with parents in its final draft … Continue reading Why Carney’s administration should stay the course on school report cards
The results are in for one of the most influential positions in Delaware education
The results are in for one of the most influential positions in Delaware’s education system: Delaware State Education Association (DSEA) President. Voting was open from January 9th through 23rd for the 12,000 members of Delaware’s teachers’ union (DSEA) and the result today was a tie between Mike Matthews and Karen Crouse. The two will enter a runoff election … Continue reading The results are in for one of the most influential positions in Delaware education
Why Susan Bunting as Delaware’s next Secretary of Education will mean progress for kids
A few weeks ago I sounded the alarm about the need for Delaware’s incoming Governor John Carney to stand with students and avoid the “old boys club” in his pick for Secretary of Education. As 2016 drew to a close, Carney selected substance over status quo and nominated Indian River School District (IRSD) Superintendent Dr. … Continue reading Why Susan Bunting as Delaware’s next Secretary of Education will mean progress for kids
Kids Deserve More Than the Good Old Boys’ Club in 2017
Word on the street is that some of Delaware’s most entrenched “good old boys” are being considered for Delaware’s Secretary of Education role. And I know there is a well-connected group of education insiders who would applaud Governor-elect Carney for such a pick. But in 2017, I think Delaware kids and schools deserve more than the … Continue reading Kids Deserve More Than the Good Old Boys’ Club in 2017
Urgency of Now 