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What programs are included in this initiative?

The Delaware Department of Education is working with public school districts statewide to implement the following programs:

  • Student Success Plans – Through this program, each student will meet with a teacher, mentor or advisor to set a path and logical steps for academic achievement based on their aspirations and career goals. The plan is developed in eighth grade, so that all incoming freshman will have five-year Student Success Plans in place when they enter high school. All public middle and high schools will have access to an online resource, called Career Cruising, to help students explore their career and college options. It will be linked to their school curriculum, Delaware labor market information, and other information specific to Delaware and the region. This program was piloted in six schools during the 2006-07 school year, and will be implemented in eighth and ninth grades statewide in 2007-08.
  •  New Graduation Requirements ­–  The State Board of Education has revamped its high school requirements to align with the entrance requirements at the state’s two public universities. For students graduating in 2011 and beyond, the English Language Arts curriculum will have an increased emphasis on a comprehensive program of study including reading, literature, writing, presentation and communication skills, reasoning, logic and technical writing. Students will be required to complete four mathematics courses, including one in the senior year. A world language requirement will be added for those graduating in 2013 and beyond.
  • Expanded Advanced Placement Offerings –  Delaware public high schools will offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses in core content areas of English, science, mathematics, social studies and world languages. The expanded AP program will enable students to maximize their high school learning and accrue college credits without paying college tuition.
  • Improved Career and Technical Education – Delaware high schools will adjust career and technical pathways to align with industry-recognized certifications.
  • Free College Tuition – Through the SEED (Student Excellence Equals Degree) scholarship program, established in 2006, the state is providing free tuition for an associate’s degree at Delaware Technical and Community College or the University of Delaware’s Associate of Arts degree program to eligible students who graduate from a Delaware high school with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
  • Real-World Experiences for Students – DOE will continue to pursue wide-ranging opportunities for high school students to gain real-world experiences. Examples include sponsorship of the Governor’s School for Excellence at the University of Delaware, which is now offering a 7-week course in China. DOE also partners with Delaware businesses to provide internship and shadowing opportunities where students can learn what is expected from their future employers.