For over three decades, the persistent low test scores in Delaware’s public schools, particularly in 4th and 8th grade Math and English, are indeed a matter of concern for various stakeholders, including parents, teachers, homeowners, and business owners. The quality of a school district is a critical factor influencing property values. Poor educational outcomes can deter families from moving to an area, impacting housing demand and property values negatively.
A "systemic" change is the ONLY solution to Delaware's decades of a failing education system. Delaware elected officials need to act now before more children and parents are let down, and more families continue to relocate to Pennsylvania for better schools.
The education system "model" that works is the BOLD PLAN which has been proven to work for St. Mark's High School & the Charter School of Wilmington (Charter). St. Mark's continues to be rated as one of the top Catholic Schools in Delaware and Charter continues to be the #1 public school in Delaware!
[VIDEO: Ronald R. Russo, Esquire, Founding President of Charter School of Wilmington & Former Principal of St. Mark's High School.]
WHY?
Delaware's current public school system has never produced desired results.
WHAT?
In 1995 the State Superintendent, the Brookings Institution, and a business consortium led by the DuPont Company identified the existing system of school boards and district bureaucracies as obstacles to school improvement. They recommended a few charter schools to develop and pilot a systemic change of local control and accountability to be implemented in all schools. Public schools would be customized and not standardized. Steve Jobs once said, “It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.” Who are the “smart people” hired to teach the kids?
WHO BENEFITS?
In addition to all students, it’s the state’s economy and everyone who lives or works in Delaware. It happens by attracting/retaining businesses with a highly qualified workforce, lower taxes and crime rates, higher pay scales, increased property values, and fewer workers residing across the state line to avoid our public schools.
ACTION.
Legislation is needed to shift operating authority from school boards to individual schools while boards retain oversight responsibilities. For 3 to 5 years, expand parental school choice, and provide professional development for current and aspiring principals to prepare them for their new responsibilities as CEOs (Chief Education Officers), including finance/accounting, marketing/communications, planning, etc., reduce the number of districts and provide employment/retirement options to adversely affected employees.
SUMMARY.
Teaching is a profession, but education is a business that supports teaching. Parents are the customers who hold schools accountable, and they can go directly to the principal’s office with concerns without waiting for board meetings. This BOLD PLAN of systemic change can be summed up in a single sentence…
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