The following guest column was written by Delaware Secretary of Education Mark Holodick.

 

One of the greatest gifts of education is that it exposes students to new perspectives and ideas. Through education, children get more opportunities to hone in on their likes and dislikes, gain a greater understanding of their world, and eventually determine and work toward the future they most prefer. Traditional education typically occurs in – though sometimes even in outdoor – classrooms. But educators and families know full well that all experiences educate, and even non-academic experiences can significantly impact a student’s academic success.

 

Keeping kids active and curious over summer is especially important during the long break in public education. In summer, it’s easy for students to lose some of the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired throughout the school year. The term for this is “summer slide,” and the Delaware Department of Education works hard alongside districts, charter schools, Delaware agencies and community partners to develop initiatives and resources that keep students from falling behind during this critical period.

 

The Governor’s Summer Fellowship is one example of how Delaware comes together to empower students across the state. Through hands-on, paid work opportunities at summer camps in each county, on-site mentoring and also networking opportunities with state leaders, students gain on-the-job experience, remain active while school is on break and develop a deeper understanding of education, government and their communities. Delaware high school students can apply for the Governor’s Fellowship program each fall of their junior and senior years.

 

The Governor’s Summer Learning Resources website is another resource that helps minimize learning loss by giving families information about programs – both private and public – across the state that are designed to promote academics as well as other beneficial opportunities, such as taekwondo and art camp.

 

Delaware benefits from offering these types resources, of course, because positive out-of-school experiences can encourage personal exploration and career development, nurture interpersonal and civic engagement, and lay the groundwork for navigating diverse and even challenging situations. But positive summer experiences of any kind also greatly elevate a student’s future aptitude and self-worth.

 

As a state, we often talk about the non-academic benefits of early learning, but we must continue prioritizing year-round, non-academic learning for all ages as well. And just like a usual school year, we must continue our commitment to equity, partnerships and even scholarships in our summer learning approach so that these types of valuable experiences continue to be made available to all students.

 

By addressing summer slide in Delaware, students will have even more chances to define and attain their own version of personal success. As a state, we must continue to work together to support and expand both academic and non-academic summer programs so students can shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

 

Read all updates from Secretary Mark Holodick.

 

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

Delawareans could save thousands of dollars and months off the time required to complete postsecondary education and training by receiving credit for what they already know from work and other experiences outside the classroom, under a new state framework released today.

 

The Delaware Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Policy Framework provides guidance to the First State’s postsecondary education institutions as they develop policies and procedures for evaluating prior student learning and awarding credit for college degree programs or advanced placement into State Registered Apprenticeship programs.  Students can receive credit for full courses at Delaware postsecondary institutions where they can demonstrate they gained the equivalent knowledge and learning from work and other experiences.  The credit for those courses mean big savings on time and tuition costs, especially for working adult students.

 

“Building a workforce of qualified candidates is important for employers across the state of Delaware,” Governor John Carney said. “Credit for Prior Learning is an innovative and flexible tool for Delawareans to get credit for learning that takes place outside of a traditional classroom, including our neighbors who have experience in the military or in apprenticeship programs. This program will increase opportunities for many Delawareans that deserve them.”

 

Credit for Prior Learning is not new, Secretary of Education Mark Holodick said: “Many colleges and universities commonly grant credit for prior learning demonstrated through assessments such as Advanced Placement exams or military service. This framework provides certification and degree-granting institutions guidance on other ways students could receive credit for prior learning, a tool that could be especially valuable for returning students and those with non-traditional backgrounds.”

 

According to Luke Rhine, deputy assistant secretary, Office of Career, Technical & Adult Education (OCTAE), U.S. Department of Education, “Nationally, there are more than 3.5 million learners enrolled in postsecondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. States and institutions of higher education have the potential to position CTE as a catalyst to blur the lines between high school, postsecondary education, and paid work experiences to help students earn postsecondary degrees and industry credentials that our employers need and our economy demands.”

 

The framework notes credit is not awarded for experience but for college or Registered Apprenticeship-level learning, which entails knowledge, skills, and competencies that students have obtained as a result of their prior learning. CPL is rooted in the notion that legitimate, college-level learning can be achieved outside the traditional classroom setting, such that the learning is equivalent to that experienced in postsecondary education or training programs at the college level and within Registered Apprenticeship.

 

The task force that developed the framework includes representatives from Delaware’s colleges and universities, the Adult Education Divisions of the New Castle County Vocational Technical School District, POLYTECH, and Sussex County Vocational Technical School District, and the Delaware Department of Labor.  The Delaware Department of Education provided support through the Adult and Prison Education, Delaware Higher Education, and Career and Technical Education offices.  Framework development was facilitated by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL).

 

While the use of CPL is an institutional decision, Delaware colleges, universities, and statewide postsecondary adult education providers aim to deliver CPL in accordance with the framework, which calls for each institution to develop a structure for CPL that is “transparent and accessible to all students, faculty, staff and stakeholders.”

 

Under the framework, institutions that charge fees for CPL assessments should ensure any fees are based on the services performed in the process rather than the credit awarded and establish a fee waiver policy for eligible students: “No student should be denied access to CPL due to the student’s inability to pay.”

 

Partners have expressed strong support for the framework.

 

Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)

“Credit for Prior Learning is a transformative tool that improves equity in educational outcomes by increasing degree completion while saving adult learners time and money. In addition to helping them juggle their various responsibilities, it validates the critical knowledge and skills they have gained in their professional and personal lives and says to them ‘You can do this because you are even closer than you know,’ ” Vice President of Initiatives Wilson Finch said.

 

Delaware State University

“Delaware State University is excited to support the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Policy Framework. The award of credit for learning from work and life experiences provides under-served, non-traditional individuals with valuable, unprecedented opportunities for degree attainment and marketability.  For those attending Delaware State University, CPL is a “game-changer,’ ” Provost and Chief Academic Officer Saundra Delauder said.

 

Delaware Technical and Community College

“Delaware Tech understands that our students take diverse paths to arrive at our institution and that hands-on, experiential learning matters in terms of the skills and knowledge students bring with them. We have always been committed to awarding credit for prior learning. We are also committed to applying best practices to this work, which this framework provides, so we can ensure inclusion and access for all,” said Justina Thomas, vice president for academic affairs.

 

Goldey-Beacom College

“Goldey-Beacom College is encouraged by the work that the Credit for Prior Learning Taskforce has accomplished. As the landscape of education continues to evolve, we support this type of creative thinking which will move the needle for access to different pathways of post-secondary education for Delawareans,” said  Ryan Quann, registrar.

 

New Castle County Vo-Tech Adult Education

“The Adult Education Division of New Castle County Vocational Technical School District is proud to be a partner in developing the Credit for Prior Learning Policy Framework and recognize the prior learning, skills, and education our students have gained both formally and informally through Career and Technical Education in the classroom and on the job. This will be extremely valuable for students that started their education in CTE and now want to continue or enhance their learning through a college or university,” said Michael Kittel, principal, Adult Education Division.

 

POLYTECH Adult Education

“Registered Apprenticeship is a way for Delawareans to obtain valuable, industry-driven training and nationally recognized credentials.  POLYTECH Adult Education is excited to be part of the work statewide to expand opportunities for on-ramps into apprenticeship through credit for prior learning.  We are also pleased that in addition to awarding credit as students enter our apprenticeship programs, the CPL framework ensures that Journeypersons and apprentice graduates interested in pursuing a college degree will receive a substantial number of credits for the classroom and on-the-job training they have completed,” said Betsy Jones, director, Polytech Adult Education.

 

Sussex Tech Adult Education

“This is a groundbreaking initiative that will help to break down the barriers that often prevent students from accessing higher education.  By recognizing the knowledge and skills that students have gained outside of the classroom, or as a result of apprenticeship training and earning a professional license, this initiative will not only provide students with the opportunity to earn college credit but also increase the likelihood of their success in college,” said Mike Hague, industrial training coordinator.

 

University of Delaware

“The University of Delaware worked with the state to create the new framework and will embark on a discussion of its credit for prior learning policy with the faculty senate, department chairs and all other relevant parties,” said Provost Laura Carlson.  “UD is committed to expanding students’ access to a great education, so this new framework represents a significant step in advancing that goal. There are many productive pathways that Delawareans can take to earn a UD degree, and recognizing the credits they have already earned will help increase their mobility among Delaware’s education institutions, decrease their cost of attaining a degree and, most importantly, enhance their opportunities for academic and career success.”

 

Wilmington University

“Given our experience with traditional and non-traditional students, Wilmington University has had the privilege of offering credit for prior learning for 30 years,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jim Wilson. “This has allowed us to offer thousands of Delaware residents viable ways to complete their degree programs faster while saving significantly on tuition costs. As a student-centered institution, we wholeheartedly support The Delaware Credit for Prior Learning Policy Framework. We look forward to working with the State of Delaware to ensure every student is rewarded for skills and knowledge accrued outside the classroom.”

 

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

Delaware child care professionals now can submit to receive $700 for a second round of direct payments from the Delaware Department of Education. 

The state is using its federal American Rescue Plan funding to pay for this second round of bonuses. The aim is to show appreciation for and incentivize retention in the critical workforce of programs licensed by the Delaware Department of Education’s Office of Child Care Licensing. Currently employed professionals who are at least 18 years of age who work directly with children or provide any level of on-site administrative support for at least 20 hours per week for at least 90 days are eligible. 

“Child care professionals are critical to the learning and development of our children and their work is critical to our state’s economy, allowing the children’s family members to fill other essential roles in our workforce,” Secretary of Education Mark Holodick said. “Licensed child care programs are struggling to attract and retain professionals in today’s competitive labor market, and we are pleased we are able to provide this second payment to support the professionals committed to our youngest learners.”

The Delaware Department of Education has expanded its secure data collection system, which will be used to collect employee information and verify eligibility. A feature now included allows professionals who applied in Round 1 to save time with a pre-populated application. The application will be open for two months with all submissions due by April 30, 2023.

After being verified, licensed child care professionals can expect to receive their payments in up to 10 days if they choose direct deposit or up to 30 days if they choose to receive a check by U.S. mail.

Licensed child care professionals can find more information and apply online at de.gov/childcarebonus.

 

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

By Delaware Education Secretary Mark A. Holodick, Ed.D.

 

Education has seen many challenges over the past two years.  Students and families have had to deal with interrupted learning due to the pandemic as well as limited access to summer programming.  According to independent studies and student achievement data, this has resulted in notable learning deficits among many of our youth.  Some people call those deficits learning loss.  Some call it unfinished learning.  Regardless, the effects are evident, and we, as a state, are working diligently to do something about it.  The Department of Education has been working in tandem with individual school districts and charter schools to ensure that summer learning plans are in place throughout the state.

 

Recognizing that all students, especially disadvantaged students, have been adversely affected by the pandemic, these plans are in place to provide opportunities for robust learning to continue to occur at scale throughout the summer.   We at the department have coined this summer, the Summer of Opportunity.  We want students to continue to stay involved with one another and supported by skilled individuals, so that they continue to grow and thrive while waiting for the 2022-2023 academic year to begin.  This means, regardless of a child’s zip code, all students will have the opportunity to participate in a summer program that is interesting, exciting, and helps them grow academically, socially, and emotionally.  This year’s summer programs, as always, will focus on literacy and mathematics but there will also be various opportunities for students to experience activities that they may not have had access to previously.  Those activities may include drama, the playing of an instrument, art classes, dance, and more.  They may also include the use of local resources such as our state and national parks where there are opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming.  As a state, we hope to effectively address students’ academic and social and emotional learning in an authentic manner, allowing for as much flexibility as possible regarding pace, selection of material, content, topics, and student voice and decision-making around what interests and inspires them.   And we have all come to realize that kids being engaged and involved is not only good for personal growth but also mental health and well-being.

 

Measuring student progress is challenging, especially during the summer months when children are accessing different programs and activities.  For some students and families, a half day program works better than a full day program and vice versa.  Some students will attend summer programs that exposes them to a lot of different content, topics, materials, and experiences while other may choose to focus on a particular topic, subject, or skill.  Providing children and families with many options is a good thing.  However, the greater the differential in programing the more challenging it is to measure growth.  Thus, the Department of Education is working with partners to measure growth in specific summer programs using both qualitative and quantitative data.  In doing so, we can determine what programs had not only the high participation rates but also produced the strongest results.

 

While planning for The Summer of Opportunity, we heard from our districts and charter schools as well as our community-based organizations (CBOs) and faith-based organizations that their greatest hurdle is staffing.  Finding committed and well-trained staff to work with young people is a real challenge right now.  We brought this challenge to the Governor’s Family Services Cabinet Council and brainstormed ways in which this could be addressed.  The answer is the creation of the Governor’s Summer Fellowship program.  High school students, especially those who are currently enrolled in the state’s Teacher Academy Pathway, are being identified and trained to support these summer programs in paid positions.  The Workforce Support Team at the Department of Education, the Governor’s Office, the United Way, other community partners, and our schools and districts have worked collaboratively to launch this initiative in short time.  In fact, we have already had more than 100 high school students in our three counties apply to take part.  All selected students will go through a full week of training in preparation for placement into summer programs in their communities.

 

While we all want for the upcoming summer to be back to normal and resemble the summers of the past, we must also recognize the opportunity that sits before us: an opportunity for our state to provide as many meaningful and exciting opportunities for growth as possible for our young learners, especially those who have historically been left out in the past.  A focused effort steeped in a lens of equity and access is exactly what’s needed as we move from pandemic to endemic and prepare for what will be a strong and more productive 2022-23 school year.

 

Find a searchable database of school and community-based partner summer offerings at de.gov/summerlearning.

 

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

The Delaware Department of Education today launched its Summer of Opportunity website, a searchable database to help families find school- and community-based learning opportunities for their children this summer.

The site, which allows users to toggle between map and table views, helps Delawareans find programs based on targeted grades, dates, location, cost, sponsoring organization and transportation options. Enrollment in some offerings, such as school-based programs, may only be open to specific populations, such as enrolled students, while others have open admission. The site collects the diverse offerings in one location to make it easier for families to navigate opportunities.

“We want every Delaware student to have enriching experiences this summer with opportunities for formal and informal learning,” Secretary of Education Mark Holodick said. “For one student that may mean attending science camp at a park, for another it may mean enrolling in a school program that integrates English language arts supports and sports and for a third it could be a series of day trips with family and friends to explore the rich offerings of our region. Most important is that our students are engaged in some sort of learning and exploration this summer so they return to school in the fall ready to learn and succeed in the new school year. We hope this site helps families find such opportunities.”

Organizations that have not yet submitted their offerings and would like to be included should email Delaware.Department.of.Education@doe.k12.de.us.

 

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006