I just returned from attending this:
Announcing New Education Initiative
What: Governor Markell and the Department of Education will announce a new initiative to support many of the state’s most disadvantaged students–Joined by state legislators and education and community leaders, the Governor will provide details of the state’s plan.
Who: Governor Markell
Secretary Mark Murphy, Department of Education
State legislators
Education and community leadersWhen: Thursday, September 4th at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Warner Elementary School, 801 W 18th Street, Wilmington
Here’s my summary. (It was extremely difficult to hear so please correct any mistakes I may have made.)
Governor Jack Markell:
6 schools – 3 in Christina (Stubbs, Bancroft, Bayard) and 3 in Red Clay (Warner, Shortlidge, Highlands) will be part of this initiative
Poverty is a big problem, but can’t delay in improving education
Research shows it can be done – cites Boston
New strategies = 6 million dollars = hold them accountable
There will be “unprecedented authority” for school leaders (things like extending the school day, recruiting teachers) – I’d list other things, but I don’t think any were mentioned – the sound quality was awful, so if anyone knows what else “unprecedented authority” included, please let me know.
Accountability for everyone, but parents and teachers were mentioned most often by almost every speaker. Parent accountability was stressed a LOT, but no details were given on how one would achieve this.
Below I will briefly summarize what I heard (and that wasn’t easy to do) from each speaker. (Needless to say, this is not a transcript.)
Guest speakers:
Mervin Daugherty (Superintendent Red Clay): We need to summon the will/ We have to do it now. This is a state issue not a school issue
Freeman L. Williams (Superintendent Christina): New day, new opportunity – opportunity to cut down barriers
Pastor Merredith Griffith (IMAC): Education is a community issue. Excited that action is being taken. Parents and children are/need to be (not sure due to mic quality/traffic) represented.
Councilman Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha: Attended Warner. This is a wonderful opportunity. Not a magic wand, but a step in the right direction. City needs a defined role.
Mayor Williams: I’m sorry, but I couldn’t understand what he said. If anyone else did, please let me know. I did hear part of his closing – Our children are the future.
Senator Margaret Henry: Hold teachers and parents accountable. (Again, it was so hard to hear all she said)
Rep. Stephanie Bolden: Need parent involvement. “We (city schools) have all the resources other schools have.”
*Sorry, but that last statement of Rep. Bolden’s isn’t true and a big part of the problem facing city schools.
Councilman Jea Street: Separate but equal is inherently unequal. As soon as court order lifted we intentionally re-segregated our schools – cites NSA (Neighborhood Schools Act), Choice and Charters. Called for less districts in the city – city has no control. Funding equalization. Has 6 million reasons why he’ll support this initiative.
Okay, here’s the gist of it… This is a “great opportunity” that will cost 6 million dollars and we need accountability.
What? You expected details of the initiative? Me too.