Delaware Senate Confirms Secretary Of Education Dr. Steven Godowsky

Dr. Steven Godowsky is the new Secretary of Education in Delaware.  Today, the Delaware Senate voted 19-2 to confirm Dr. Godowsky to serve at the pleasure of the Governor as the new Secretary of Education.  The sole nay votes belonged to Delaware Senators Colin Bonini and Greg Lavelle.  Red Clay Educators Association Mike Matthews was present at the Senate Confirmation and put a lot out there on Twitter.

Acting @DEDeptofEd Sec. Godowsky appearing before Senate Executive Committee right now for his confirmation hearing.

— Mike Matthews, NBCT (he/him/his) (@MikeMatthewsDE) October 28, 2015

Dr. Godowsky going down his four-decade-long resume. Certainly an improvement over his predecessor.

— Mike Matthews, NBCT (he/him/his) (@MikeMatthewsDE) October 28, 2015

. Sen. Pres. Pro. Tem. Blevins saying it's a very difficult time for education in Delaware.

— Mike Matthews, NBCT (he/him/his) (@MikeMatthewsDE) October 28, 2015

Sen. Blevins bringing up questions about WEIC and potential transfer of schools to @RedClaySchools.

— Mike Matthews, NBCT (he/him/his) (@MikeMatthewsDE) October 28, 2015

Dr. Godowsky reports that @DEDeptofEd is not connected to WEIC outside of providing some technical support.

— Mike Matthews, NBCT (he/him/his) (@MikeMatthewsDE) October 28, 2015

Dr. Godowsky says "the WEIC is trying to do lots of things at once." Says @DEDeptofEd will take lead after the legislature.

— Mike Matthews, NBCT (he/him/his) (@MikeMatthewsDE) October 28, 2015

Dr. Godowsky reports that redistricting of Wilmington "could take years."

— Mike Matthews, NBCT (he/him/his) (@MikeMatthewsDE) October 28, 2015

Sen. Blevins asking about all the charter schools that have closed. Asking about how @DEDeptofEd can get more oversight.

— Mike Matthews, NBCT (he/him/his) (@MikeMatthewsDE) October 28, 2015

Sen. Blevins asking Dr. Godowsky about testing, citing passage of HB 50 (opt out) that people are frustrated.

— Mike Matthews, NBCT (he/him/his) (@MikeMatthewsDE) October 28, 2015

Dr. Godowsky citing SJR 2 that the state is doing something about so much testing. Sorry, it's @SmarterBalanced that's the problem.

— Mike Matthews, NBCT (he/him/his) (@MikeMatthewsDE) October 28, 2015

Dr. Godowsky: "At the end of the day, we've made a commitment to some tests, and we need to remain on that path." Doesn't say which test.

— Mike Matthews, NBCT (he/him/his) (@MikeMatthewsDE) October 28, 2015

Sen. McDowell asking about the Race to the Top positions that @DEDeptofEd asked to keep funded. Says the positions are no longer necessary.

— Mike Matthews, NBCT (he/him/his) (@MikeMatthewsDE) October 28, 2015

Dr. Godowsky says @DEDeptofEd needs better communications with the public. Says if he's confirmed he will communicate better.

— Mike Matthews, NBCT (he/him/his) (@MikeMatthewsDE) October 28, 2015

Dr. Godowsky says that "those positions are more than Race to the Top." "RttT is a small percentage of what they do on a daily basis."

— Mike Matthews, NBCT (he/him/his) (@MikeMatthewsDE) October 28, 2015

Sen. McDowell sticking to the "these positions are an overreach" position. Doesn't sound pleased with Dr. Godowsky's response.

— Mike Matthews, NBCT (he/him/his) (@MikeMatthewsDE) October 28, 2015

Sen. McDowell says those positions may be better suited to Washington, DC and aren't at all valuable to Delaware.

— Mike Matthews, NBCT (he/him/his) (@MikeMatthewsDE) October 28, 2015

Sen. Simpson says we have had examples of successful charter schools. Cites "Newark Charter, Charter School of Wilmington, and Sussex Tech."

— Mike Matthews, NBCT (he/him/his) (@MikeMatthewsDE) October 28, 2015

Sen. Lavelle says "WEIC has gotten out of control" and that he will be voting no on any legislation related to it.

— Mike Matthews, NBCT (he/him/his) (@MikeMatthewsDE) October 28, 2015

Sen. @NicolePoore12 says Dr. Godowsky is a "breath of fresh air."

— Mike Matthews, NBCT (he/him/his) (@MikeMatthewsDE) October 28, 2015

Sen. @BrianPettyjohn asking how Dr. Godowsky plans to mend fences with groups like @DelawarePTA and @DSEA1.

— Mike Matthews, NBCT (he/him/his) (@MikeMatthewsDE) October 28, 2015

In a really long speech, I think Sen. Marshall was just asking how we can better reach the students who need the most assistance.

— Mike Matthews, NBCT (he/him/his) (@MikeMatthewsDE) October 28, 2015