DSpace Collection: DERDC Evaluations and Policy Studies

Survey of New Castle County Library Staff

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Survey of New Castle County Library Staff

Authors: Cooksy, Leslie J.; Ruddy, Kyrianna

Abstract: This report presents the results of a survey of library staff conducted by the University of Delaware Education Research and Development Center for the New Castle County (NCC) Division of Community Services. The purpose of the survey was to help Division administrators prepare for the annual Library Staff Day scheduled for September 17, 2009 by providing information on staff reaction to policies and changes made in the past year, staff input on future priorities, and staff recommendations for improving library services and libraries as a place to work.

Policies and Practices of Successful Delaware High Schools

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:03:21 GMT

Title: Policies and Practices of Successful Delaware High Schools

Authors: Buttram, Joan; Cooksy, Leslie; Rubright, Jonathan

Abstract: This study examined the policies and practices used by three Delaware high schools to promote student achievement and graduation. The research found that high schools employed different combinations of policies and practices, including transition programs to orient incoming ninth grade students, academies to organize ninth grade students into smaller groups, extra instructional time to support students not making satisfactory academic progress, afterschool instructional help for all students needing extra help, mentoring, and twilight programs for students missing a small number of credits to graduate. These approaches were based on research findings, sound management, and creative programming. Many had been in place for multiple years, others had only been recently adopted. Although few conclusions about the effectiveness of the specific policies and practices described above can be drawn from a study of only three schools, the case studies do point to key considerations in deciding what interventions are appropriate in any school. These include student population, universal versus targeted services, resource availability, and size of school.

Awareness To Action: Recognizing and Addressing the Achievement Gaps in Delaware Schools

Mon, 29 Oct 2001 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Awareness To Action: Recognizing and Addressing the Achievement Gaps in Delaware Schools

Authors: Banicky, Lisa

Abstract: This report represents an attempt to create a common understanding of the challenge facing many of the schools in Delaware with respect to the achievement gap separating minority and low income student performance from that of other students. It contains a school-by-school description of achievement gaps in the areas of reading and mathematics as measured by the Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP). The hope is that the information provided in this report will promote an active dialogue that translates into the dissemination of concrete strategies for closing existing gaps and increasing the academic performance of all students in Delaware schools.

Transforming Early Childhood Education in Delaware: Building Foundations of Change

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Transforming Early Childhood Education in Delaware: Building Foundations of Change

Authors: Noble, Audrey J.

Abstract: Early education is one of the best investments we can make—the returns for society are measurable. Each dollar spent on early education saves society about $4-$7 down the road in other costs, such as incarceration and Medicaid. Learning doesn't begin when children enter kindergarten at age 5 or 6. Research shows that the greatest brain growth and stimulation occur much, much earlier. Children who enter kindergarten unprepared are often two or three years behind their peers and many never catch up. Without skilled professionals, without stable programs, without proven practices, early childhood care and education will make limited contributions to the state’s vision of a world class education system. However, it appears that what the state expects ECE teachers to know and do is not reflected in how educators are compensated.

Description: A briefing paper presented October 2, 2008, at the University of Delaware’s third-annual Knowledge-Based Partnerships conference "Delaware Education for a Global Economy: Making Vision 2015 Work"