Delaware districts and charter schools operate under the belief that all schools must continue to focus on improvement – including schools that exceed expectations – to best support all students. Schools receive continuous improvement support from the state in the form of resources, professional development, grant access and more.

The federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) allows Delaware increased flexibility and local control over its design for supporting educational opportunities and outcomes for all students. In August 2017, the U.S. Department of Education approved Delaware’s ESSA plan for implementing ESSA-required assessments, accountability and resources for districts and charter schools.

Delaware and ESSA

  • Delaware ESSA plan – Download the full, current plan here. This plan was last updated November 2022.
  • Delaware ESSA framework – Shows how Delaware’s ESSA plan fits into and supports excellence in Delaware public schools.
  • Supporting all schools – Learn more about how Delaware schools receive additional funding and program support. Includes the process Delaware uses for identifying schools that qualify for comprehensive support and improvement (CSI) and targeted support and improvement (TSI).

Federal Programs and Supports

Title programs are available to Delaware schools. These funds are federal monies that are meant to supplement existing state funding for education.

IDEA, Part B (including 611 and 619) funds were implemented as part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These grants support early intervention and special education services for children with disabilities and their families. students with special needs. The programs or materials purchased with IDEA funds must benefit students with Individualized Education Programs, or IEPs.

Federal Resources

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V)  which amended the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (Perkins IV) Act of 2006 was signed into law on July 31, 2018. The amended Act, now Perkins V, brings changes to the $1.4 billion annual federal investment in career and technical education (CTE).

Federal Resources

If you require additional information regarding Equitable Services, please contact the ESSA Equitable Services Ombudsman via email.

The Blue Ribbon Schools award honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap.

Contact Us

For more information on continuous improvement in Delaware, please call 302-735-4035. You can also search DDOE contacts by services and programs.