Delaware Teachers Named Finalists for National Mathematics, Science Teaching Award

The Delaware Department of Education has named four Delaware teachers as state finalists for the 2024 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the highest recognition that K-12 STEM teachers can receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Finalists’ applications will now move forward to the national level for final selection of the 2024 PAEMST National Awardees.

The 2024 Delaware state finalists are:

  • Brittney Campbell, mathematics, Lake Forest South Elementary School, Lake Forest School District
  • Karen Eller, science, The Bancroft School, Christina School District
  • Kerry Haley, mathematics, Forwood Elementary School, Brandywine School District 
  • Carlos Pesquera, mathematics, H. O. Brittingham Elementary School, Cape Henlopen School District

The goal of the PAEMST award program is to exemplify the highest standards of mathematics and science teaching (including technology, engineering and computer science) in addition to honoring individual achievement. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of STEM education.  The award alternates each year between teachers of kindergarten through 6th grade and those teaching 7th through 12th grades.

Every year each state selects up to three mathematics teachers and three science teachers as state finalists. A national selection committee reviews state finalist applications and selects up to one awardee in each content area for every state. These teachers are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make progress in mathematics and science. As part of the recognition process, the selected national awardees will take part in a weeklong series of networking and professional development activities in Washington, D.C., and receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation.

Find photos of the honorees online here.

 

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


Delaware Releases K-12 Mathematics Framework

The Delaware Department of Education released the Delaware K-12 Mathematics Framework today, defining effective and equitable mathematics systems in the state and providing education leaders with the direction, resources, and support needed to provide all students with the mathematics instruction they deserve. Delaware is only the second state, after New Mexico, to release a statewide mathematics framework grounded in high-quality instructional materials and professional learning.

 

The framework identifies five key–and interconnected–components of effective mathematics systems. Each component includes a set of core actions, planning considerations, and resources to guide school and school system leaders in its execution.

  • Academics: In an effective mathematics system, all teachers use high-quality materials to ensure that all students have meaningful access to grade-appropriate, culturally responsive Tier 1 mathematics instruction.
  • High-Quality Professional Learning: In an effective mathematics system, all educators engage in high-quality professional learning that builds their capacity to ensure excellent, equitable mathematics instruction within their role and context.
  • Collaborative Leadership: In an effective mathematics system, a shared vision and sense of responsibility bring educators together in service of student success, while effective communication and collaboration ensure collective efficacy.
  • Culture of Access and Equity: In an effective mathematics system, all resources–including time, knowledge, materials, talent, expectations, and learning opportunities are allocated equitably to ensure that every adult and student can succeed.
  • Community and Family Engagement: In an effective mathematics system, families and other stakeholders, including educator preparation programs, are welcomed equitably and leveraged effectively as vital partners in executing school systems’ mathematics visions.

 

The Framework, a complement to the Delaware Literacy Plan, supports the state’s academic vision of every student leaving school ready for success in college, career, and life by ensuring all students can succeed in mathematics and have daily opportunities to engage in meaningful and equitable grade-level mathematics instruction.

 

“We hope the Delaware K-12 Mathematics Framework will strengthen adult and student understanding and confidence in mathematics, invest all stakeholders in a shared vision for mathematics instruction, and eliminate inequities in mathematics classrooms,” Secretary of Education Mark Holodick said.

 

The DDOE led the development of the framework in partnership with a steering committee of 26 educators and community members across the state who met over eight months. The DDOE also engaged a broader group of stakeholders, including state legislators, State Board of Education members, and representatives from educator preparation programs and other education-based organizations. For a full list of committee members and stakeholder groups, please see the Framework.

 

The Delaware K-12 Mathematics Framework and supporting materials, including a toolkit for school and school system leaders, can be found in Digital DE. Educators should reach out to delaware.delivers@doe.k12.de.us with questions.

 

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


2022 State Test Results Provide Baseline for Pandemic Recovery

Statewide assessment results for the 2021-22 school year reinforce the continuing need to provide additional supports and learning time to students in response to COVID-19 school building closures.

For English language arts, 42 percent of students in grades 3-8 scored at or above their grade’s proficiency level. In mathematics, 30 percent of students in grades 3-8 scored at or above their grade’s proficiency level. Although the percentage of students who scored proficient is higher than in 2020-21, making a direct comparison is not appropriate because of lower participation rates in 2020-21 due to COVID-19.

“Providing educational opportunities this summer has been a priority because we know students are continuing to recover from pandemic-related unfinished learning,” Secretary of Education Mark Holodick said. “Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, and our educators are committed to continuing to meet students where they are to provide them the supports and learning time they need to succeed.  Federal Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief funds (ESSER II and ESSER III) will allow for our schools and districts to use targeted interventions and institute system changes that address the needs of all students, especially those kids who need it most.”

For high school statewide assessment, Delaware uses the SAT, administered during the school day, generally in students’ 11th grade year. In 2022, Delaware moved from a paper and pencil exam to an online assessment (grade 3-8 assessments previously were online). Statewide, 47 percent of students scored proficient or higher in the reading test, 24 percent in math and 38 percent on the essay portion.

In science, Delaware tests in grades 5, 8 and high school biology. The 2021-22 scores show 21 percent of fifth graders, 17 percent of eighth graders and 26 percent of high school biology students scoring proficient or higher.

Social studies is assessed in grades 4, 7 and 11. Statewide for 2021-22, 32 percent of fourth graders, 29 percent of seventh graders and 24 percent of 11th graders scored at or above the proficient level.

Delaware administers an alternative assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities. The state moved to a new assessment model in 2022. Find more information on this assessment as well as the ACCESS English language proficiency assessment here.

Families received their student reports in the mail last month, providing valuable information on their children’s learning progress. Educators received the results a few weeks after the students tested.

 “These assessment results help everyone from the classroom educator to policymakers better understand student learning and needs, and they will provide important guidance to us as we plan how to best support our students in the new school year,” Holodick said.

Find full results, including demographic and district/charter information, here.


New Website Helps Families Find Summer Opportunities for Their Children

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


2022 Delaware State Finalists For White House STEM Recognition Announced

The Delaware Department of Education has named five Delaware teachers as state finalists for the 2022 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the highest recognition that K-12 STEM teachers can receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Finalists’ applications now will move forward to the national level for final selection of the 2022 PAEMST Awardees.

 

The 2022 Delaware state finalists are:

Mathematics

  • Jason Orlen, East Millsboro Elementary School, Indian River School District
  • Michele (Missy) Snyder, Major George Welch Elementary School, Caesar Rodney School District
  • Allison Van Ness, Clayton Intermediate School, Smyrna School District

Science

  • Maria Cobb, Mount Pleasant Elementary School, Brandywine School District
  • Jaime Swartz, John M Clayton Elementary School, Indian River School District

 

Find photos of the finalists here.

 

The goal of the PAEMST award program is to exemplify the highest standards of mathematics and science teaching (including technology, engineering and computer science) in addition to honoring individual achievement. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of STEM education.  The award alternates between teachers of kindergarten through 6th grade and those teaching 7th through 12th grades.  Every year each state selects up to three mathematics teachers and three science teachers as state finalists. A national selection committee reviews state finalist applications and selects one awardee in each content area for every state. Teachers are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make progress in mathematics and science. As part of the recognition process, awardees take part in a weeklong series of networking and professional development activities in Washington, D.C., and receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation.

 

Additionally, the 2021 DE state finalists also are awaiting final selection by the national panel. The 2021 DE state finalists who were announced last summer are:

  • Katherine Hoffecker (mathematics), Odessa High School, Appoquinimink School District
  • Tommie Polite (mathematics), Laurel Middle School, Laurel School District
  • Michael Reitemeyer (mathematics), Las Americas ASPIRA Academy Charter School
  • Corey Butterfield (science), George Read Middle School, Colonial School District
  • Brian Heeney (science), Delcastle Technical High School, New Castle County Vo-Tech School District
  • Erin Motley (science), Gunning Bedford Middle School, Colonial School District

 

The White House announcement of national awardees for both 2021 and 2022 are expected within the 2022 calendar year. Congratulations to all Delaware finalists!

 

For more information about PAEMST and to see nomination forms and application instructions, visit www.paemst.org.

 

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