Delaware’s AP Success: Advancing Equity and Excellence
As Delaware’s Secretary of Education, I’m pleased to share the progress that Delaware students have made in Advanced Placement (AP) programs. This year, our state has seen significant growth in both AP participation and performance, reflecting our commitment to providing every student with access to challenging academic opportunities. In 2024, we saw an 11.3% increase in the number of students taking one or more AP exams. That means 7,281 students are pushing themselves to take college-level coursework—up from 6,543 last year. Even more encouraging is the significant growth we’ve seen among our historically underserved student populations. Black student participation rose [...]
Delaware teachers deserve continuous appreciation
Each May during National Teacher Appreciation Week, Delaware takes a moment to honor and celebrate the incredible contributions of educators across the state. Businesses offer teacher specials. School administrations and parent teacher organizations provide lunches. Students and families show their thanks with notes or small gifts. Elected leaders recognize the profession. All aim to honor the profound impact educators have on shaping our students and their future. The truth is our teachers deserve a high level of appreciation all year long. Teachers are our country’s quiet heroes who expand young minds, inspire creativity, and instill a love for learning. They [...]
Quality Education Requires School Referenda
The following guest column was written by Delaware Secretary of Education Mark Holodick. As Delaware Secretary of Education, I am entrusted with overseeing and improving educational systems throughout the state. A crucial part of this responsibility is making sure schools have the resources they need to provide a quality education to all students. In Delaware, one of the key mechanisms for securing these resources is through school referenda. School referenda typically involve proposals for tax increases or bond issuances to support various aspects of education, such as infrastructure improvements, hiring additional staff, and expanding educational programs. Referenda are fundamental to [...]
A Proactive Approach to a Healthy School Year
This guest column was written by Delaware Secretary of Education Mark Holodick and Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Josette D. Manning. --- As summer comes to an end and a new school year begins, now is the time to remind local communities that continuing to protect ourselves against influenza, COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and other infectious diseases is a powerful way to also support Delaware students and school staff. The flu, COVID, and RSV are dangerous but preventable respiratory illnesses that can spread quickly, especially in close-knit settings. A single infected person has the potential [...]
Continuing our commitment to Delaware students
Welcome school staff, families, and community members to the 2023-24 school year. I hope everyone is well and eagerly anticipating the new opportunities ahead. As I liked to say each August when I was a district superintendent, “It’s go time.” All the summer preparation, planning and work is about to pay off, and we are ready for staff and students to return to school buildings. This year, school preparation is less of a return and more of a continuation. Many Delaware public school employees worked through the summer, intentionally offering families positive, out-of-school experiences designed to benefit every student. Several community [...]
About this Blog
Find updates and reflections on Delaware education, teaching, learning and leadership from the Secretary of Education, Dr. Mark Holodick.
Dr. Holodick is committed to a foundation of professionalism, customer service, equity, and meeting the needs of all students. He recognizes the importance of developing the whole child through unique and diverse programming, after-school enrichment opportunities, athletics, the arts, and a rigorous curriculum.
