Back-to-School Goals: How Families Can Partner with Delaware School Boards
Back-to-School Is About More Than Supplies
The start of a new school year is always exciting—fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and new routines. But beyond the supply lists and schedules, this moment is about something bigger: setting the goals that determine whether our students truly thrive.
In Delaware, school boards play a central role in shaping those goals. They ask the hard questions about student achievement, set priorities with superintendents, and make sure resources are aligned with results. When school boards set a clear vision—and when families and community members join the conversation—student outcomes improve.
Why School Boards Matter
Strong school boards are more than governing bodies; they are anchors for student success. They:
Define achievement priorities for the year
Collaborate with district leaders on how progress will be measured
Hold schools accountable for meeting community expectations
Families and community members have a powerful role in this process, too. The most impactful questions to ask your local board this fall are simple:
What are this year’s achievement targets?
How will progress be tracked and shared with the community?
These questions not only keep boards focused, they also send a clear message: the community is invested in results for every child.
Tools to Help Families Stay Informed
At First State Educate, we know that navigating school data can feel overwhelming. That’s why we created the Knowledge Hub—a free platform with tip sheets and short videos that guide you step by step through the Delaware Report Card.
These resources make it easy to:
Look up your child’s school performance
Compare results across districts
Understand what’s driving progress—or where improvement is needed
When families are equipped with information, they can partner more effectively with boards and educators to advocate for what students need.
Family Engagement Is Central to Student Success
The newest research underscores what we’ve always known: family and community engagement is essential—not optional. A recent national poll found that 85% of district leaders say family engagement is a top priority for the 2025–26 school year, but 40% lack the tools needed to make it effective, especially for two-way communication .
This gap matters—because real engagement hinges on mutual trust, transparent dialogue, and shared accountability.
Delaware families can avoid this communication breakdown by turning to the Knowledge Hub, which offers user-friendly tools and resources designed to bridge that gap, leading to stronger school-to-home connections.
The Power of Shared Goals
Back-to-school season offers a unique chance for alignment. When schools, families, and community members share the same goals—and understand how progress will be measured—trust grows. That trust helps schools stay focused, empowers parents to support learning at home, and ensures students have clarity and direction.
Let’s Make This Year Count
This school year, let’s commit to more than new backpacks. Let’s commit to knowing the goals, tracking the progress, and working together to make sure every Delaware student has what they need to thrive.
👉 Explore the Knowledge Hub today for clear, accessible tools and resources that make it easy to get involved. When families, communities, and school boards unite with clarity and purpose, students win.
