High school, state programs honored as 'Superstars' in Delaware: Education roundup
Some "superstars" in Delaware education have been honored by the state's Chamber of Commerce — noting both higher education and trades excellence — while two Indian River schools clinched the only regional spots so far headed to a world's robotics competition.
And really, that's just a few of the honors earned in today's roundup.
On the referendum front, yet another vote is set for this week. Smyrna School District is asking residents to head to the polls on Saturday, March 9, for a current-expense and capital-projects referendum, as previously reported. Both parts relate to just how expensive it's getting to run the system.
In this roundup, we'll catch you up on this and other education updates you may have missed.
[Did we miss another good education story? Tell me about it: [email protected].]
Chamber of Commerce names 'Superstars' in Delaware education
Any healthy economy requires a strong and well-educated workforce, as the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce explained in an announcement last week. Whether university-bound or training for a technical or trade position — people must be "equipped with the knowledge and skills to be successful."
So, the business-fueled organization looked to again honor "Superstars in Education and Training" across the state, as it has since 1989. Three new players made the roster this year:
Delaware Skills Center — The center's Electrical Training Program (the most popular, per the chamber) keeps a limited enrollment of 30 students per year. The "carefully designed, 12-week program emphasizes hands-on experience and technical skills essential for entry-level positions in the electrical field." Participants get proficient with electrical systems, wiring, installations and more — bridging the gap between unemployed/underemployed and industry shortages. It also allows grads to jump on in-demand electrical careers.
Charlton Roads to Success, Delaware State University Downtown — This program aims to equip adult-aged students (ages 18 to 22) with "the skills essential for successful integration into the community," the chamber said. Students gain tailored, hands-on experience through skills assessments, workplace exposure, job coaching and mentoring. Nurturing vocational skills, fostering independence, creating a sense of belonging — the chamber says this program empowers young adults to lead fulfilling lives.
Brandywine School District — The "Empathetic Engineering: Bridging Innovation for Special Needs" program looks to transform lives, with student-designed solutions. This design and engineering program — offered at Concord, Brandywine and Mount Pleasant High Schools, according to the chamber — focuses on Human-Centered Design to empower students to create inclusive solutions for individuals with special needs, from assistive devices for physical education to innovative workplace tools.
Awards of excellence from the chamber:
M. Davis & Sons Welding Training Program — An independent training and certificate provider.
Beebe Healthcare, Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing — Higher education program.
William Penn High School, Healthcare Technician Program — High school program.
MORE REFERENDA: What you need to know about Smyrna, Cape, Appo's upcoming school referendum votes
Lawmakers on adult-education task force release report
A state task force was charged in 2023 with developing a plan to enhance Delaware’s adult basic education programs.
The group found that funding for these programs has decreased by 9% since 2017 — resulting in a backlog of roughly 450 people waiting for an open seat, frozen hiring and pay for ABE educators and more. Last week, lawmakers laid out seven recommendations on how the state can better support workers "seeking a second chance" at earning a high school diploma.
These recommendations, as shared at an event at Sussex Tech and via press release, include:
Restore adult basic education funding back to fiscal-year 2017 levels, with a cost-of-living adjustment.
Align adult basic education educator salaries with recent public-school salary increases.
Explore financial support for adult basic education students.
Improve "the link" between adult basic education and other public education programs.
Strengthen governance and oversight of adult basic education programs.
Engage employers to better tailor such programs to meet their needs.
Make sure adult basic education programs are considered in future decision making on education issues.
“While we continue encouraging teenagers to stay in school, the reality is that hundreds of teens across Delaware end up dropping out every year, often due to family circumstances beyond their control,” said Sen. Darius Brown, co-chair of the task force, in a statement.
“Every one of them deserves a second chance to earn a high school diploma. And, as elected leaders, there is more we can do to help them get back into school and back on the road to economic prosperity."
Indian River students clinch the only Delmarva spots headed to Robotics World Competition
There were only two bids recently awarded to the Delmarva region to the VEX IQ World Robotics Championship, one elementary and one middle school. The competition is set for May in Dallas.
And Indian River schools clinched both.
The Delmarva VEX IQ Robotics Championship, Feb. 25 in Wilmington, saw rigorous challenges showcasing the skills of young robotics enthusiasts from all across the region. Some 16 Indian River schools competed, as well as BrandywineBOTS and many others, competed to qualify.
Long Neck Elementary School's CJLK Robos team No. 83539B earned the elementary bid, the district shared in a press release, while Millsboro Middle School's Gear Heads team???????? No. 21353A earned several awards and the middle school spot at Worlds.
"These two teams carry the hopes and aspirations of their community and are ready to showcase their talent and passion on a global platform," the district wrote last week. "IRSD is proud of our robotics teams and coaches and wish them the best of luck at Worlds!"
Background: BrandywineBOTS Robotics competes in regional robot competition ahead of world championship
Delaware students win big at Educators Rising State Leadership Conference
More than 80 Delaware students qualified for the national conference this summer, according to DDOE. But first, the state-level event.
Last month's Delaware Educators Rising State Leadership Conference saw over 180 student bring home medals from Newark. Winners in the children’s literature competitive events were awarded scholarships from the University of Delaware, while winners in the "Educators Rising Moment," a speech event, were awarded scholarships from Wilmington University.
Delaware Educators Rising is a career and technical student organization affiliated with the Delaware Teacher Academy. Students participate in professional and personal development events, alongside educational competitions, as aspiring educational professionals.
A list of awardees is online with Educators Rising results.
Another yes for Delaware school funding: Colonial voters approve boosts in Leap Day referendum
Brandywine Springs School teacher clinches grant to send his eighth graders on interstate field trip
John Thomas couldn't pack up and take his Brandywine Springs eighth graders to the center of national history. But he could write a wicked application.
Thanks to a competitive grant from the American Battlefield Trust's History Field Trip Grant Program, the educator took his students to Antietam, Maryland; Harpers Ferry, West Virginia; and Washington, D.C., last month. The grants are awarded based on a national application process — "demonstrating Thomas’ commitment to excellence in the classroom," the program said in a press release.
“I am so excited to share these wonderful historic sites with my students," Thomas said ahead of the trip.
Every year, the trust receives applications from classrooms across the country to participate, according to a press release, offering funding and assistance to K-12 teachers planning field trips to Civil War, War of 1812 or Revolutionary War battlefields and related historic sites. One year, more than 7,500 students from 24 states took part.
Got a story? Kelly Powers covers race, culture and equity for Delaware Online/The News Journal and USA TODAY Network Northeast, with a focus on education. Contact her at [email protected] or (231) 622-2191, and follow her on Twitter @kpowers01.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware high school honored among 'Superstars' in education
