Delaware School Boards, Families, and Data: Driving Student Success Together
When Delaware students head back to class each fall, parents naturally ask: How are our kids really doing? Test scores, attendance rates, and other measures of student achievement aren’t just numbers on a page—they tell the story of whether our schools are preparing young people for success.
But here’s the challenge: understanding and using student achievement data isn’t just the job of teachers or school administrators. Delaware school boards carry the responsibility of connecting the dots between student outcomes, school investments, and community priorities. And they can’t do this work alone. Families and educators must be part of the conversation to ensure every child has the chance to thrive.
Why Student Achievement Data Matters
Across the country, and right here in Delaware, school boards are being called to make data-driven decisions. From setting measurable goals to evaluating whether programs improve literacy, math skills, or graduation rates, student achievement data helps leaders align budgets to outcomes.
According to Education Week, many districts still struggle to get the right kind of information to truly support decision-making. Boards and educators often have access to test scores but lack timely insights on attendance, behavior, or social-emotional learning. When schools have a fuller picture of student needs, they can make smarter investments and respond more effectively to challenges.
When communities can clearly see how tax dollars are being spent—and how those investments impact students—confidence in public education grows.
Families Are Essential Partners
Strong governance requires strong community engagement. Families bring valuable perspective to the table:
They need to hear what boards are investing in and how those decisions connect to student learning.
They should understand what schools are doing to support their children every day.
And they must have a role in holding leaders accountable for results.
When families, educators, and Delaware school boards share responsibility for outcomes, we create the conditions for meaningful progress.
Join the Conversation: Board Matters on Sept. 16
That’s exactly why First State Educate created Board Matters: Delaware Conversations—a monthly forum where community members, educators, and board leaders come together to tackle the big issues shaping our schools.
On September 16 at 6 pm, we’ll dig into Delaware’s 2024–25 student achievement results and talk about what they really mean for schools, families, and communities. Because this isn’t just about numbers—it’s about smarter decisions, stronger boards, and better outcomes for every child.
Register for the September Board Matters Conversation
Building Stronger Public Schools for Delaware
At First State Educate, we believe that data-driven governance and shared responsibility are essential for building stronger public schools. When school boards are equipped to use student achievement data well—and when families and educators are at the table—we give every child in Delaware a better chance at success.
Want to stay connected? Explore our Knowledge Hub, where community members and board leaders can access training, tools, and resources to strengthen Delaware education.
Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
