Standards and Assessments

Review information on academic standards and assessments in Delaware. Standards specify what students should know and be able to do in the classroom. They serve as goals for teaching and learning. Assessments are an integral part of the instructional cycle and fulfills several purposes for educators, students, parents, policy makers, and community members. Assessments administered at the state, district/charter, and school levels combine to form a system of assessments with the goal of supporting student growth.

English Language Arts (ELA)

DDOE equips public school staff with guidance and resources to effectively teach English Language Arts (ELA) and literacy in kindergarten through grade 12. DDOE does not create or enforce specific ELA/literacy curriculum but does ensure schools follow state content standards.

Financial Literacy

In January 2018, the Delaware State Board of Education approved Financial Literacy Standards for grades K-12. These standards are the result of HJR 4 Financial Literacy Task Force recommendation to DDOE to develop K-12 state financial literacy standards.

Health Education

DDOE supports educating the whole child and advocates for every Delaware student to build positive mental, emotional and physical health skills.

High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM)

HQIM provide a road map for teachers on how to plan, teach, and assess student learning throughout the year and ensure they are mastering the skills needed to be college and career ready.

High-Quality Professional Learning

Delaware aligns to the Every Student Succeeds Act definition of professional learning. Delaware has adopted the Learning Forward Professional Learning Standards.

Mathematics

DDOE equips public school staff with guidance and resources to effectively teach Mathematics in kindergarten through grade 12. DDOE does not create or enforce specific Mathematics curriculum but does ensure schools follow state content standards.

Multilingual Learners

DDOE is dedicated to ensuring that every Delaware student, including multilingual learners (often referred to as English learners), attain the highest level of academic success and language proficiency.

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)

Also known as the Nations Report Card, NAEP is a U.S. Department of Education program that provides information on state and national student achievement as well as trend data over time.

Science

DDOE equips public school staff with guidance and resources to effectively teach Science in kindergarten through grade 12. DDOE does not create or enforce specific Science curriculum but does ensure schools follow state content standards.

Social Studies

DDOE equips public school staff with guidance and resources to effectively teach civics, economics, geography and history in kindergarten through grade 12.

Visual and Performing Arts

Delaware public schools provide a comprehensive, standards-aligned visual and performing arts education system that encompasses dance, music, theater, media art, and visual art, fostering creativity and self-expression among its students. Arts are an integral component of a well-rounded education, contributing significantly to the development of the whole child.

World Languages and Dual Language Immersion

World language proficiency and cultural competency are crucial 21st century skills that define college, career and world-ready graduates. In Delaware, world language capacity is crucial for the state to maintain and strengthen its domestic economy.