May 2025

Welcome to the May edition of the Learning Leader Digest!

This month in the Learning Leader Digest, we reflect on the progress made across our evaluation systems—DTGSS and DPAS—throughout the 2024–2025 school year. From strengthening feedback practices to expanding professional learning for leaders and educators, this year was marked by growth, collaboration, and impact.

Thank you for your continued commitment to instructional excellence. Together, we have built the conditions for deep learning, and we look forward to sustaining that momentum through summer and into the year ahead.

Celebrating our DPAS Specialist Committee Leaders

We are proud to spotlight the incredible educators leading the way in the DPAS Specialist Information Sessions focused on the Component IV revision work. Special recognition goes to Michelle Bartlett (Red Clay), Jimmy Wheatley (Indian River), and Olivia Suchanec (Appoquinimink) for facilitating live sessions with professionalism, insight, and a commitment to elevating educator voice across the state.

Thank you all for your continued commitment to educator effectiveness and growth!

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the full committee whose behind-the-scenes contributions have been instrumental in shaping this work. Their energy, leadership, and collaborative spirit continue to inspire progress.

Appoquinimink School District: Yvonne Camac, Katie Diggs, Lindsay MacBeth, Kristine Peters, Andrietta Thomas

Brandywine School District: Rachel Herskowitz, Nichole Stokes, Kelly Wilson

Caesar Rodney School District: Joann Rogers

Cape Henlopen School District: Mary Stuart

Capital School District: Lyndsey Dietz

Christina School District: Ashley Caverly, Kristen Manchin, Erika Powell, Alexis Ridgeway, Deloris Williams

Delaware Department of Education: Jennifer Davis

Indian River School District: Valarie Carter, Kenna Murray

Las Americas Aspira Academy: Kim Whyte

Laurel School District: Amy Parsons

Newark Charter School: Tammy Nemeth

Red Clay Consolidated School District: Michael Bank, Samantha Cerminara. Sharon-Rose Gargula. Amy Klein, Emily Klein, Raimundo Rocha, Lindsay Williams

Woodbridge School District: Rachel Donaldson, Barbara Durham, Lindsay Rust

A DPAS II Steering Committee has been meeting since April 2024 to revise Component IV: Professional Responsibilities to better align with the Delaware Teacher Growth and Support System (DTGSS). This update empowers specialists to set meaningful growth goals based on what matters most in their unique roles.

To support this work, the Delaware Department of Education will launch a field test in select schools during the 2025–2026 school year. The test is designed to: (a) ensure alignment with the revised Component IV goals, (b) maintain consistency with the teacher evaluation process, (c) encourage self-reflection and growth-oriented goal setting, and (d) test forms and processes for clarity, usability, and effectiveness.

We invite specialists and their evaluators to attend an upcoming DPAS II Specialist Information Session to learn more about the changes.

Current sessions run through May 16. Look for new sessions to begin again this fall.  Register in PDMS #43469.

Over the 2024-2025 school year, 130 Learning Walk visits were conducted across Delaware schools, reflecting a strong commitment to strengthening instructional leadership and high-quality feedback.

These sessions were designed to: (a) elevate the quality and consistency of feedback and action steps, (b) refine evidence collection practices; (c) strengthen alignment to the Delaware Teacher Classroom (DTC) Framework, and (d) center debriefs on what matters most for student learning.

The Impact: What We’re Hearing

4.7 out of 5 – Average rating for helpfulness of the visit
4.4 out of 5 – Average rating for improved understanding of action steps

“The hands-on approach helps me delve deeper to grow as an instructional leader. Keep pushing me!”
– Administrator

“These experiences have helped me refine my approach and create a more engaging learning environment.”
– Teacher

The Data Story

The Learning Walk Training Sessions made a measurable difference. Using the Feedback Analysis Tool participants demonstrated noticeable growth in the quality of action steps:

-More steps included directives for doing something new or different.

-Alignment to the framework improved, with 100% of steps linked to an indicator.

-Clarity and specificity increased, with stronger rationale and time-bound goals.

This initiative continues to build a network of instructional leaders focused on what matters most: student learning and educator growth.

If you're interested in learning more about Learning Walk Training Sessions or how to bring them to your district, feel free to contact Angela Socorso.

The DTGSS Champion Series was a monthly, teacher-led professional learning experience designed to bring the DTGSS Framework to life through real examples and practical strategies. Each session focused on a key area of the framework—Performance Areas 1, 2, and 3—followed by a session dedicated to understanding the overall DTGSS process.

Teacher Takeaways
Participants walked away with: (a) clearer understanding of high-quality instruction, (b) increased confidence applying indicators, (c) actionable strategies for immediate use, and (d) a sense of support from fellow educators.

“The most helpful PD of the year—real strategies from real teachers.”
“The peer-led format made all the difference.”
“I left each session with something I could try the next day.”

The Leadership Lift series offered administrators focused, 30-minute learning sessions centered on essential DTGSS practices. Session topics included: (a) using the Feedback Analysis Tool, (b) organizing evidence, (c) writing high-quality claim & impact Statements, (d) strengthening the debrief, and (e) implementing the Directed Growth Plan.

Administrator Takeaways
Leaders reported greater clarity and confidence in applying the DTGSS framework to support teacher growth.

By the Numbers:

Average attendance: forty-five school building administrators attended per session

Overall Quality Rating: 5.00

Relevance, Usefulness, Helpfulness: 4.94

Likelihood to Attend Again: 5.00

This series reflected a shared commitment to continuous improvement and high-quality educator support.

Look for these sessions to resume in the fall!

DPAS Admin updates from Brandie Foxx

DPAS II for Administrators: Credentialing Series
Whether you're new to the role or seeking a refresher, the Delaware Department of Education is here to support you through every stage of the DPAS II for Administrators process.

Initial Credentialing Course (PDMS #27795)
This one-day, in-person training is required for all administrators who are newly assigned to evaluate assistant principals, principals, or district administrators.

Re-Credentialing Course (PDMS #27796)
This virtual, half-day session meets the Regulation 108A requirement for re-credentialing every five years for administrators who evaluate other administrators.

Optional Support Workshops (PDMS #31868)
These virtual sessions are ideal for:

Administrators looking for a refresher on the evaluation process

Year-one principals navigating their first full evaluation cycle

Assistant principals who support evaluation work and want to deepen their understanding

All sessions are now open for registration in PDMS!

Questions? Contact Brandie Foxx.

Summer Spark Series
PDMS #42563. View the flyer for more information.
Objective: Deepen DTGSS implementation through feedback analysis, calibration of look-fors, and UDL integration.

Leading Change through the DTGSS Framework
PDMS #43458. View the flyer for more information.
Objective: Strengthen coaching and feedback using strategy continuums and build a school culture that supports growth and accountability.

DTGSS Credentialing Training
PDMS #43527. View the flyer for more information.
Objective: Practice writing CEI statements and action steps through live coaching or recorded session follow-up.

DPAS II Specialist Initial Credentialing
PDMS #43537. View the flyer for more information.
Objective: Build foundational knowledge in evaluating specialists using the DPAS II for Specialists framework.

DPAS II Specialist Re-Credentialing
PDMS #43538. View the flyer for more information.
Objective: Receive streamlined updates, reinforce evaluation expectations, and best practices.

Contact: Angela Socorso

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