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A Delaware group hoping to set the agenda for the next 10 years of improving the state’s schools has unveiled its latest proposal.

Since 2005, the Delaware Vision Coalition has focused on shaping education through ten-year plans, beginning with Vision 2015 and followed by Student Success 2025. Now in its third phase, the group aims to improve equity in funding among districts, better support teachers and improve student outcomes both after high school and in early childhood classes.

Organized by the Rodel FoundationThe coalition is made up of leaders from various industries working to shape the future of Delaware’s education system.

“The Vision Coalition, from the moment it began…has been focused on working together with our educational systems in Delaware to support work in the areas needed,” said Shelley Rouser, head of the department of education of Delaware State University.

“So while the vision is to support school systems and ensure that practices and policies are aligned with school needs, that has been a consistent focus for the Vision Coalition. What’s changed over time is… you know what those needs are. So while that has evolved, the mission has remained constant.”

With more than 30 years in education, from classroom teaching to district leadership and now a university role, Rouser gained first-hand insight into the evolution of the field. As part of the leadership team, she has seen how the changing educational landscape impacts students, educators, and policy, identifying unique needs and challenges at each level.

In 2023, the coalition surveyed educators, parents and the public evaluate the current state of education. The findings highlighted notable statewide improvements in educational technology, mental health support and early childhood education, reflecting positive changes across multiple perspectives.

Despite those advances, Rouser said that after hearing ideas and concerns from the public in various forums, there are still areas that need improvement.