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Education is the cornerstone of our society, shaping the future of our children and communities. As advocates for quality education, we have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference by supporting two critical pieces of legislation currently under consideration in the Delaware Senate: House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill No. 66 and House Bill 192.
House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill No. 66 and House Bill 192 have passed unanimously through various stages of the legislative process and are now awaiting approval in the Senate. These bills hold the potential to significantly enhance education in Delaware by improving transparency, accountability, and targeted support for schools facing educational challenges.
House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill No. 66 aims to enhance transparency and accessibility in education by adding essential information to annual reports issued by the Department of Education. This includes providing insights into school performance and career pathways, empowering parents, educators, and policymakers with valuable data to make informed decisions – all made available on the Department of Education website. We commend the fact that the DOE has already made these changes internally but this bill would ensure that all subsequent administrations would do the same.
House Bill 192 requires schools that have less than ten percent of students able to read or do math on grade level to write improvement plans and then present them to the Department of Education and the public. This addresses the specific needs of schools with single-digit proficiency, promoting accountability and proactive measures to improve student outcomes. By requiring collaboration between school leadership and the Department of Education to create tailored improvement plans, this bill recognizes the diverse needs of schools and provides targeted interventions to support student success.
As these bills await Senate consideration, it is crucial for citizens to take action and advocate for their passage. Here are some steps you can take to make your voice heard:
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- Contact Your Senators: Reach out to your senator and urge them to support House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill No. 66 and House Bill 192. Express why these bills are important to you and how they will positively impact education in Delaware.
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- Spread the Word: Share information about these bills with your friends, family, and community members. Encourage them to reach out to their senators as well and amplify the message of support for education reform.
- Stay Informed: Stay updated on the progress of these bills and any upcoming Senate hearings or votes. Follow news outlets, legislative updates, and advocacy organizations to stay informed and engaged in the legislative process.
Now is the time to act. By advocating for House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill No. 66 and House Bill 192, we can contribute to building a more effective education system in Delaware. Together, let’s ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed and thrive. Our kids can’t wait.