The National Association of State Boards of Education just named Delaware Governor Jack Markell as their 2016 Policy Leader of the Year. Meanwhile, Delawareans across the state are facing an air quality alert because of the stench coming from the collective vomiting of educators and parents across the state. Is this just another sign Jack is heading to the U.S. Department of Education under a potential President Hillary Clinton? Butter up the masses for the eventual announcement? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Jack Markell cares more about corporations than education. He is Captain Corporation in my book. This is just wrong…
For Immediate Release: August 30, 2016
NASBE Names Delaware Governor Jack Markell Policy Leader of the Year
Alexandria, Va. – The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) is pleased to honor Delaware Governor Jack Markell as its 2016 Policy Leader of Year. The award is given annually to a national or state policymaker in recognition of his or her contributions to education.
Elected in 2008, Governor Jack Markell has dramatically improved educational opportunities for Delaware students. Under his guidance, Delaware placed first in the federal Race to the Top grant competition in 2010 and has made significant progress across the education system, from access to high-quality early childhood programs to college and career readiness. In 2014, the state was recognized for the best graduation rate increase in the country and the lowest dropout rate in its history, 2.4 percent. In addition to ushering in higher learning standards across the board for Delaware students, Governor Markell has strengthened authorizing standards and oversight for charter schools, supported improvements to the state’s school choice programs, invested in early learning and teacher development, and expanded access to higher education.
“Governor Markell has had a tremendous impact on education not just in our state, but he has impacted and improved education throughout our country during his time as governor,” says Teri Quinn Gray, president of the Delaware State Board of Education. “He is very humble about Delaware’s accomplishments, quickly deferring the spotlight and redirecting it toward those he believes deserve the highest recognition for all of their hard work: Delaware’s educators. They are the ones working closest to our children and making these policy changes a real success, he always says.”
Governor Markell’s policies have led to greater supports for struggling schools and greater recognition for high-achieving schools, including those that are closing the learning gap. His investments in early learning resulted in greater access to five-star programs for more Delaware students and helped the state earn an Early Learning Challenge Grant. Since 2011, the number of low-income students attending quality programs has jumped from 5 percent to 70 percent.
He has partnered with the business community to improve career technical education programs through the nationally recognized Pathways to Prosperity initiative, which has expanded to reach 6,000 high school students across 10 programs tied to high-demand fields, up from just a few dozen students in one program two years ago. He elevated the conversation on educator quality, supported efforts to reform the career pathway and compensation for aspiring school leaders, supported improvements to the state’s educator evaluation system, and provided incentives for highly effective teachers to join or remain at high-needs schools. The state has been recognized as the best in the nation at helping low-income college-ready students reach their potential.
Learn more about Delaware’s progress in early childhood and K-12 education under Governor Markell’s leadership.
“I am honored to receive this award from such a well-respected organization, and I will accept it on behalf of the many educators, school administrators, and other education leaders in our state who have worked so hard to support every student at each step—from birth to high school graduation and beyond,” said Markell. “In today’s skill-driven economy, the quality of one’s education is more important than ever, and the progress we are seeing in our classrooms will mean better opportunities for present and future students in the workforce, as well as a stronger economy that benefits everyone in our state.”
Prior to his election as governor, Markell was the state treasurer of Delaware. As the state’s chief executive, he has also served as chairman of the Democratic Governors Association and the National Governor’s Association.
“The Policy Leader of the Year award is the highest honor that state board of education members can bestow,” says NASBE Executive Director Kristen Amundson. “Governor Markell’s efforts to advance education in Delaware earn him the title so many have bestowed—he is truly an ‘Education Governor.’ His leadership serves as an example for all of us who are working to ensure that all students receive an excellent education.”
The 2016 Policy Leader of the Year Award will be presented to Governor Markell on Thursday, October 20, 2016, at NASBE’s annual conference in Kansas City, MO. Learn more about the conference.
The National Association of State Boards of Education represents America’s state and territorial boards of education. Our principal objectives are to strengthen state leadership in education policymaking, advocate equality of access to educational opportunity, promote excellence in the education of all students, and ensure responsible lay governance of education. Learn more at www.nasbe.org.
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The Season Of Myths 