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What We Do

Education Voters of Delaware is using the democratic process to improve Delaware schools.
Our goal is to ensure that all citizens who care about children have a voice in improving the policies that affect public education.

We will help as many people as possible to take an active role in efforts to improve education in Delaware.  We are working hard to bring elected officials, concerned citizens and organizations of all kinds into the process.  Here’s what we’re doing:

1. We are demanding smarter funding for public education.
2. We are demanding good policy.
3. We are listening to you and connecting you to policymakers.
4. We are building partnerships across Delaware.
5. We are going on the record with legislators about their views.

1 – We are demanding smarter funding for public education.

In today’s tough economic climate there is increasing pressure to make cuts across the state budget.   So we must make sure that every education dollar is being well spent to deliver the best possible education to Delaware’s children.  Being smart about how tax dollars are spent is especially important given that about 30% of the state’s total annual budget goes to education. We will add our voice to the budget process to:

• Limit cuts to public education and urge that our public leaders spend every dollar more effectively. The first step is to begin implementing the LEAD Committee’s cost savings recommendations, which identified up to $158 million in Delaware’s annual public education budget that could be used more efficiently.  Learn more.
• Put those savings into programs that will make a difference in the classroom and benefit children.
  • Support the Vision Network of districts and schools, which is challenging “business as usual.” The Network’s 21 schools are building great school leadership teams, sharpening their academic focus, and using information on student achievement to improve instruction. In these schools, it’s all about the kids.
  • Offer high quality early childhood education to more low-income 3- and 4-year-olds.
  • Promote programs that attract and support more high-quality teachers and school leaders, especially in the state’s poorest schools.
  • Develop a more efficient and useful student testing system to replace the DSTP.
  • Allocate funds according to the varying learning needs of children, rather than through a one-size-fits-all funding formula.

2 – We are demanding good policy.

We are working with the Governor and General Assembly to build support for the best education policies here in Delaware, drawing from what others are doing around the nation and the world… practices that are truly all about the kids.  A top priority is to encourage lawmakers to act on the spending recommendations discussed above.

We will keep you informed about specific efforts and provide simple ways for you to encourage your legislators to remember that it’s all about the kids.

And, to know where our legislators stand, we will continue to report on their positions on various education issues.

3 – We are listening to you and connecting you to policymakers.

Our statewide It’s All About the Kids Tour will provide an opportunity for you, as Delaware voters and citizens, to share your thoughts about what public education should look like in Delaware. We will hear from those who often are not included in policy discussions and build a group of interested citizens who can advocate for a world-class public education system here in Delaware. The Tour also will raise awareness about the needs of our public schools and build demand for a system that is all about the kids.The It’s All About the Kids Tour will help us:

• Get your ideas on funding priorities and policy reforms to share with elected leaders.
• Provide opportunities for elected officials to listen to their constituents.
• Build common understanding of the challenges facing Delaware’s public schools, and move toward a shared vision for making them better.

Tour dates and locations will be posted here when they are available.

4 – We are building partnerships across Delaware.

We will help you mobilize your friends to demand education reform.  Our action toolkit provides information on how to spread the word by hosting a gathering, organize a letter-writing campaign or engage your friends and acquaintances by phone or email. We also welcome partnerships with civic, business, and community organizations that can help us spread the word. Let us know if you would like someone at Education Voters of Delaware to meet with your organization, provide materials, or explore other partnership opportunities. Just click here to contact us.

5 – We are going on the record with legislators about their views

We are conducting a survey of our state senators and representatives to find out where they stand on education and what they are willing to do to ensure a successful future for all of Delaware’s kids.  We will provide the results as they are available.  Please check back to find out what your lawmakers have to say, and keep on reminding them that it’s all about the kids!