Delaware must remain committed to clear school quality information for families
WILMINGTON, Del. — Atnre Alleyne, Executive Director of DelawareCAN: The Delaware Campaign for Achievement Now, released the following statement today:
“I was thrilled to see Governor Carney and the Delaware Department of Education include a transparent five-star school rating system in their final draft Every Student Succeeds Act plan. But after receiving pressure from adult-centered interest groups, the Department began to waffle during yesterday’s presentation to the legislature. I urge them to maintain their commitment in the state’s ESSA plan to creating a transparent school rating system that equips Delawareans with critical information about their schools.
“Students and their families deserve to know where their school stands. That requires a clear, easy-to-navigate rating system—a direct contrast to the current school report cards, which are hard to find and difficult to decipher.
“We know the demand for this rating system exists. Thousands of Delawareans responded to the Department’s own survey in 2014 indicating that they want school performance ratings. A coalition of 24 community and business organizations—including DelawareCAN—also called for school performance ratings. Now, more than ever, we need state leaders to prioritize ensuring families and communities have the information they need to make the best decisions for our children’s future.”
For more information or interviews with Atnre Alleyne, contact Udeitha Srimushnam at (408) 655-7775 or udeitha.srimushnam@50can.org.
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DelawareCAN: Launched in 2017, DelawareCAN: The Delaware Campaign for Achievement Now is a nonprofit organization that empowers, mobilizes and collaborates with everyday Delawareans to advocate for a high-quality education system. We use research and communications, grassroots organizing, and government relations to ensure Delaware’s education system is excellent for every student.