Delaware

Professional development system

The Delaware Adult Education professional development system is based on state and federal goals, technical assistance determined through peer monitoring, and state review of performance data. The Adult Community Educators (ACE) Network Resource Center and the Adult Education and Workforce Development Branch of the Delaware Department of Education provide professional development opportunities and resources.

STAR implementation

Delaware is implementing Evidenced-Based Reading Instruction (EBRI) in Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs in communities and in correctional settings. ABE program policies and procedures are consistent across the state regardless of location. However, delivery format varies dependent on site logistics. Community ABE classes are generally two to three hours, two to four times a week. Prison education classes operate for one and a half to three hours, five days a week year round.

Delaware has a two-prong approach to EBRI. Community programs are to offer the STAR approach for at least one class and incorporate direct instruction. Prison programs are required to include EBRI to teach reading to students who qualify at the intermediate level.

As part of its Commitment to the STAR initiative, Delaware sponsored the Teacher of Curriculum for Adult and Prison Education to attend the TOT Training in January 2009. She completed all certification requirements and is a National STAR Trainer. Since the initial STAR training in 2008, Delaware has held two institutes to train additional teachers. All programs have at least one trained staff member. In addition to the Institutes, staff development workshops for EBRI are also held.

As part of its Commitment to the STAR initiative, Delaware sponsored the Teacher of Curriculum for Adult and Prison Education to attend the TOT Training in January 2009. She completed all certification requirements and is a National STAR Trainer. Since the initial STAR training in 2008, Delaware has held two institutes to train additional teachers. All programs have at least one trained staff member. In addition to the Institutes, staff development workshops for EBRI are also held.

Programs implementing STAR