(Gov. Markell's statements are in red.)
Here's the link to his speech: http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20130117/NEWS/130117023/Text-Gov-Markell-s-State-State-address
- New admission requirements for those looking to enter the teaching field.
- "Teaching is a demanding profession, and our admissions requirements for teacher preparation programs should reflect this. Secretary Murphy will be working with our universities to strengthen the standards for entry into the teaching profession." J.M.
- Creation of a rigorous exit assessment for new teachers before entering the field.
- "We also need a rigorous exit assessment for our preparation programs, which includes demonstration of content knowledge as well as teaching skills." J.M.
- Formally create, fund, and implement Teacher Leader roles to allow good teachers to continue to move up the career ladder while remaining in the classroom (as opposed to the current system of advancement that moves teachers from the classroom to administration.)
- " Teachers like John should be formally recognized as Teacher Leaders – role models in their schools who have demonstrated their abilities, are ready to help other teachers, and earn more for putting their experience to work in the classroom. I ask that the General Assembly work with me to formally create this role, with the prestige and compensation it deserves." J.M.
- Restructure the teacher pay system
- "I ask that the General Assembly work with me to re-examine that pay structure so we can incentivize teaching in high-need schools and critical subjects, raise starting teacher pay, and reward teacher leadership." J.M.
- Common application for charter and choice
- "I propose that we create a best-in-class information system on Delaware’s schools that provides a clear picture of the different strengths in each school. I also propose that we give parents the option of a common application to make it easier to apply to multiple schools." J.M.
- Enhance the system of lifelong learning necessary to achieve and maintain employment. This one is target to the current and upcoming workforce.
- "Once workers have completed the training they need to fill in-demand jobs, we should make sure that employers know it, by providing these workers with a Career Readiness Certificate that employers respect and trust." J.M.
- Shorten the timeline from five years to two for the implementation of school safety plans per the 2012 Omnibus School Safety Act.
- "I ask the General Assembly to work with me so that every Delaware school has an up-to-date school safety plan within two years." J.M.
- Increase mental health personnel in middle schools.
- " I ask the General Assembly to address this need. I propose a ten-fold increase in the number of trained, front line mental health personnel in our middle schools." J.M.
- Enroll 24 Delaware drop-outs in a residential National Guard Program in concert with Maryland to lead them back to the degree track.
- " Through education and mentoring from Guard members, the program targets young people who can get back on a path to a degree and a rewarding life and career. And because Maryland has all of the necessary facilities and because the Department of Defense picks up 75 percent of the cost, this is a very cost-effective way to serve these young people." J.M.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a wrap!
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