The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and its affiliate, The Partnership, Inc., are pleased to name the 2016 Superstars in Education award winners, who will be recognized at a reception and awards ceremony on Monday, May 9, 2016 at 4:45 p.m. at Wilmington University’s Doberstein Admissions Center Auditorium.
Over the last 24 years, schools across the state have displayed their Superstars in Education banner.
There are many who have applied for this award, but there can only be a few winners. Programs range from single classroom programs to collaborative partnerships.
This award is not just designed to point out what is working, it is dedicated to those programs that are special. The debate about educational programs includes terms such as ‘Race to the Top’, STEM, Common Core, standardized testing, college and employment ready, and the list goes on. In the end, the bottom line is that success comes from the teacher in the classroom and the leaders in our schools. That is to whom the Superstars in Education award is dedicated.
Superstars in Education is charged with recognizing outstanding educational programs and individual achievements. This event highlights excellence in science teaching, integrated classroom technology practices, and school-to-career partnerships. It also serves the business community and its investment in the future. Delaware’s future depends on the foundation we build in our schools today. It is imperative that today’s students have tangible skills when they are ready to enter the workforce. Whether college bound, preparing for a trade job or working in the manufacturing world, students need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to be productive employees and citizens. Today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce.
The Superstars in Education Selection Committee considered 42 nominations from traditional public, private, magnets, charters and parochial schools from around the state. Six winners were selected to be honored this year.
Leaders from both the education and business worlds will make appearances during the May 9 reception and awards ceremony. Governor Jack Markell is scheduled to speak along with DSCC president Rich Heffron.
The cost to attend the event is $25 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information about the event, or to register, visit www.dscc.com.
2016 Superstars in Education Winners:
From 42 nominations, the following six programs were chosen as the best in Delaware. The 2016 Superstars in Education winners are:
Project SEARCH – New Castle County
Red Clay Consolidated School District
Project SEARCH is a nine-month school-to-work collaborative transition program for students 18-21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program operates entirely within a host business. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and on-the-job training and support.
Biomedical/Christiana Care Partnership
Conrad Schools of Science
This program is only four years old and has already been making an educational impact on Conrad Schools of Science. Students can now immerse themselves in specific careers including but not limited to Respiratory Therapy, Neurology, Genetic Counseling, Nutrition, Optometry, Audiology and Oncology.
Outdoor Classroom
- Niel Postlethwait Middle School
This program was established in 2010 as a multi-purpose, cross-curricular, learning space. It is a part of modern school initiatives that focus on improving health, academic success, behavioral development, and prepare children for challenges and opportunities they might face later on in life. The classroom also strives to promote stewardship of nature and social responsibility.
Teacher Professional Learning Program
Sussex Central High School
With the integration of the digital platform of Schoology in Delaware schools, Sussex Central’s goals were to enhance the effectiveness of its teacher professional learning experience. With a blended learning format in classrooms, videos, texts, research, discussion boards, photo albums and collaborative activities have taken from simply a face-to-face to a more well-rounded experience.
21st Century Stars S.T.E.A.M. Program
William Henry Middle School
An inclusive program that provides academic and social enrichment opportunities to 5th and 6th grade students in a nurturing and supportive environment, topics covered include music, service learning, sports, entrepreneurship, art, dance, culture and S.T.E.A.M. technology (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).
Accelerating Preliterate English Language Learners (A.P.E.L.L.) Program
Indian River School District
Located in the Carver Center, this program serves some of the district’s most needy learners. It is designed for newly arrived English Language Learners (EL) who have had major interruptions in their schooling, for generally, two or more years.
