NEW DIRECTIONS

Vision of Education in Delaware

All students are able to reach their full potential and are prepared to lead full and productive lives as citizens and workers in the 21st Century;

• Educational excellence and equity for all;
• Close collaboration and partnerships among educators, parents, family, business and the community support high academic achievement, excellence and opportunity for all children;
• A safe and supportive environment that respects the diversity of all Delaware's learners; and
• A sense of vitality, energy and commitment to successful teaching and learning.

Mission of New Directions for Education in Delaware:

To improve student academic achievement so that their knowledge and skills will enable them to be successful, productive citizens in the 21st century.

Definition of New Directions:

"New Directions for Education in Delaware" is an initiative for improving academic achievement throughout the state based on the principles that every student has the opportunity to participate in real and meaningful educational experiences; every student is held to high expectations (standards) of knowledge and performance; every student's performance/achievement is measured against the standards; and, help is provided to every student to attain the standards.

Goals of New Directions

• Establish rigorous subject content and student performance standards for all K-12 public school students:
• Promote teaching practices and strategies that enable students to achieve content and performance standards;
• Use assessments that measure how well students have achieved the standards;
• Identify and secure resources for professional development and school system enhancements for local schools to bring about new teaching and learning strategies in classrooms statewide;
• Remove statutory and regulatory barriers that impede the implementation of New Directions;
• Give local school districts the freedom to decide how their students reach the standards;
• Hold school districts accountable for demonstrating student progress toward the standards;
• Hold DPI accountable for insuring continuous progress toward the goals;
• Ensure local and state support through partnerships among educators, policy makers, family, community and business; and,
• Communicate clearly and consistently its mission, progress, opportunities and challenges.