March 25, 2026

DDOE sets targets to accelerate student achievement statewide

The strategic plan sets measurable targets for literacy, graduation, early education access, and educator retention

Secretary of Education Cindy Marten this month released the Delaware Department of Education’s Strategic Plan 2025–2028 to provide measurable outcomes to help ensure every learner is ready for success in college, career, and life.

The plan – the first for the department in recent history – is organized around five building blocks: Bright Beginnings, Safe Supportive Schools, Great Teaching and Learning, Fair Opportunities for Every Learner, and Families and Communities as Partners. Each building block includes specific strategies, measurable metrics, and defined responsibilities across the state, districts, schools, educators, and families. Implementation is already underway statewide, with professional learning, coaching, and aligned investments supporting these goals.

“Strong early learning, safe and supportive schools, excellent teaching, fair access to opportunity, and real partnership with families must work together to improve student outcomes,” Marten said. “This plan starts with students and families, invests in educators and school leaders as the drivers of change, and aligns our system around clear 2028 targets. We are committing to disciplined implementation and public reporting so Delaware families can see measurable progress.”

Among the plan’s headline 2028 targets: increasing third-grade reading proficiency from 38% to 53%, expanding early education access from 25% to 40% of eligible families, raising the statewide graduation rate to 91%, and reducing chronic absenteeism to 13%. The plan also calls for 100% of K–3 teachers to complete professional learning aligned to the Science of Reading, as mandated by Senate Bill 4. The plan includes targeted strategies to improve outcomes for multilingual learners and students with disabilities while strengthening high-quality instruction in literacy, mathematics, science, the arts and career-connected learning.

Delaware accelerates statewide early literacy strategy

Delaware is accelerating the implementation of its statewide early literacy strategy with more than $8 million in aligned investments to strengthen reading instruction in classrooms across the state.

DDOE announced this month two investments supporting that work: a $1.9 million State Implementation Fund (SIF) grant from Accelerate and $6.1 million in competitive Bridge to Practice grants awarded to 25 districts and charter schools across Delaware. Together, these investments help accelerate the implementation of Delaware’s Early Literacy Plan in classrooms statewide.

Rather than launching new initiatives, Delaware is putting state, federal, and philanthropic investments behind one statewide literacy strategy focused on strong teaching, strong school leadership and evidence-based reading instruction every day. The Early Literacy Plan sits at the center of the Delaware Department of Education's 2025–2028 Strategic Plan and focuses on supporting teachers, strengthening school leadership, and ensuring students receive strong reading instruction. This work focuses on implementation in classrooms and will be tracked through clear statewide measures of reading progress so families and educators can see the results.

“Delaware is focused on one clear goal: ensuring every child reads on grade level by the end of third grade,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “By aligning leadership, professional learning, staffing models, and data systems around that goal, Delaware is building a durable statewide literacy system that gives every child the opportunity to become a confident, capable reader.”

Said Secretary of Education Cindy Marten, “We know what it takes to help children learn to read, and Delaware is putting those supports in place in classrooms across the state. It starts with excellent instruction every day, supported by high-quality materials, well-trained educators, and strong school leadership. These investments help accelerate the work already underway so more students are reading on grade level by the end of third grade, and we will measure our progress every step of the way so families and educators can see the results.”

Delaware celebrates public libraries and their impact on education

This month, Delaware Education Secretary Cindy Marten marked a meaningful moment by signing up for her Delaware library card — a simple action that reflects a broader commitment to literacy, access, and opportunity for every learner.

The experience took place as Delaware celebrates 125 years of public libraries. As highlighted by Governor Matt Meyer, libraries have long served as essential community anchors, connecting people to books, technology, and lifelong learning. They remain a critical part of how the state supports students and families today.

Public libraries align directly with the Delaware Department of Education’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes strong academic foundations for every learner. With just 38% of third graders currently reading on grade level, Delaware is focused on improving literacy outcomes through high-quality instruction, educator support, and strong resources.

Libraries are a key part of that effort.

Across the state, libraries provide safe, welcoming spaces where students can explore reading beyond the classroom, families can access free tools and support, and communities can stay connected to learning. Initiatives like the Delaware Literacy Alliance further strengthen this work by extending literacy beyond the classroom into everyday life.

Secretary Marten’s library card serves as a reminder that meaningful progress often starts with simple, intentional steps. Increasing the use of free community libraries connects more people to the resources that help students learn, grow, and succeed. 

Lt. Gov, Education Secretary celebrate 302 Day with fourth graders

Delaware Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay and Secretary of Education Cindy Marten celebrated 302 Day on March 2 by visiting fourth-grade classrooms to engage students in hands-on civics learning as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The visits, held in partnership with the Delaware Public Archives and the Delaware State Education Association (DSEA), took place at four elementary schools in the Appoquinimink, Lake Forest, Smyrna, and Christina school districts. During each stop, Lt. Gov. Gay and Secretary Marten read and discussed a civics-themed book with students and lead conversations about Delaware’s role as the First State.

Fourth grade was intentionally selected to align with Delaware’s social studies standards, which emphasize state and local government, history, and civic responsibility. Teachers were selected in partnership with the DSEA to highlight classrooms demonstrating strong civics instruction and student engagement.

“Delaware is in a literacy emergency, and literacy is foundational to a healthy democracy,” said Secretary Marten. “Students must be able to read critically, evaluate evidence, and express their ideas clearly in order to fully and meaningfully participate in civic life. Civic learning comes alive when students see themselves in the story of our state and our nation, and when they see that their voice carries weight. As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are strengthening literacy and civics together because strong schools sustain a strong democracy. When we start with students and build for impact, we prepare every learner for college, career, and civic life where all students contribute meaningfully to their communities.” 

The classroom visits reinforce the importance of Delaware’s recent $8.7 million federal Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant awarded to DDOE to strengthen civics education statewide. The grant will support high-quality, evidence-based civics instruction through educator professional learning, classroom resources, and innovative strategies that deepen civic knowledge and student engagement.

The visits also reflect Delaware’s Strategic Plan (de.gov/edplan) in action, connecting literacy and civics through meaningful classroom experiences. Students are building the skills they need to think critically, communicate clearly, and engage in their communities.

First grade students at David E. Robinson Elementary School in Caesar Rodney School District got their hands dirty this month in the best way possible. Students participated in a fun and educational school garden planting lesson led by Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids. This exciting activity took place in the school’s newly established garden, made possible through funding from the Delaware Department of Education’s Farm to School grant.

Young learners planted carrots, radishes, dill, and parsley, gaining firsthand experiences in growing their own food and why it matters.  Experiences like this are at the heart of Delaware’s Farm to School Program, which connects students to local agriculture, strengthening healthy.

DDOE's recently released Strategic Plan for Education (de.gov/edplan) aligns this work toward a stronger, more equitable Delaware education system. The plan has five building blocks (Bright Beginnings, Safe Supportive Schools, Great Teaching and Learning, Fair Opportunities for Every Learner and Families and Communities as Partners).

As the Caesar Rodney S.D. project illustrates, great student outcomes start with strong instruction in classrooms (including outdoor ones!) where students are supported, challenged and prepared for their future (Building Block 3). And student success grows when families and communities are informed, connected and engaged (Building Block 5).

Delaware Department of Education I education.delaware.gov