Delaware proposes school accountability
Delaware's education department has unveiled a five-tier accountability framework, proposing state intervention for low-performing schools and potential
Less than half of Delaware’s third through eighth graders are proficient in reading and math. Only 18% of 11th graders are proficient in math, according to state scores released last month.
Education Secretary Cindy Marten has responded with a draft five-tier support and accountability system for district and charter schools. State intervention begins at Tier 4. If those supports fail, a school enters Tier 5, resulting in receivership where the Delaware Department of Education takes over operations and appoints leadership. Full authority would phase back to local leadership after sustained progress.
Framework includes third-grade retention as last resort
The plan also targets early literacy, raising the possibility of holding back third-graders as a last-resort option. Marten cited Mississippi’s use of the tactic to increase scores. Delaware must first focus on early intervention screenings and monitoring student progress. If students do not improve after individualized support, promotion to fourth grade would be evaluated based on data.
Cindy Marten stated: "This is not a third-grade retention plan with a literacy plan wrapped around it. The whole point is prevention."
Reactions mix urgency with caution over penalties
Officials and education leaders emphasize the need for action amid persistently low proficiency rates. Marten spoke of the need for a clearer answer when schools or students do not show improvement. The Delaware State Education Association has mixed feelings. President Tameka Mays said the union favors additional instructional support but has serious concerns about state takeover and holding back 8- and 9-year-olds.
Lake Forest Superintendent Steven Lucas, president of the Delaware Chief School Officer's Association, said his organization looks forward to working with the department to ensure the framework supports teachers and increases college readiness.
Implementation hinges on legislation and details
Key parts of the framework require legislative action before implementation. Marten plans to have legislation ready for the start of the new session in January. The department must still determine how long a school can remain in a specific tier and establish placement criteria. More stakeholder engagement is planned in the coming months.
Schools placed in Tier 4 would receive state-directed instructional and operational actions, along with leadership supports. They would also participate in monthly review meetings with the department. The goal of Tier 5 is not to close schools but to appoint a state-approved receiver to work with local leaders on a public recovery plan. A correction clarified that receivership applies to individual schools, not entire districts.
The announcement follows Marten's pledge last month to take "real action" against chronic underperformance. The union will gather feedback from its members statewide in the coming weeks. Marten plans to have legislation ready for the start of the new session in January.
