Core Threads

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
This framework is the foundation for student success.  It's about meeting students where they are and providing tailored support based on their academic, behavioral, social, or emotional needs.  MTSS ensures no student falls through the crack

Delaware Department of Education
Regulation 508

Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is a standards-aligned, comprehensive school improvement FRAMEWORK for enhancing academic, behavioral, and social-emotional outcomes for ALL students.

Cross-disciplinary teams represented at the district, school, grade, and individual levels use a problem-solving process to integrate evidence-based academic, behavioral, and social-emotional practices matched to student needs and with fidelity of implementation

Professional Development on Curriculum Revisions
Educators are the backbone of our system.  We invest in their growth by ensuring access to high-quality instructional materials and providing targeted professional development opportunities.  Empowering educators with the latest insights and techniques for curriculum revisions ensures they're equipped to meet the needs of today's students.

Ongoing research that expands our understanding of:

• effective instructional practices (e.g., blended learning, trauma-informed pedagogy, and social-emotional learning); 
• the changing landscape of issues and needs that educators must address in working with students, families, and communities;
• changes in policies and statutes that govern the work of educators (e.g., changes in the curriculum requirements for graduation); 
• educators’ evolving professional responsibilities, particularly when assignments and duties change (e.g., making a switch to online learning environments in response to a national crisis). 

Data-Driven Decision-Making
Numbers tell a story, and we're listening.  We base decisions on solid data, allowing us to assess progress, identify areas for improvement, and fine-tune our strategies for maximum impact.

Every classroom is full of students with their own needs, abilities, and levels of understanding. Data-driven instruction aims to take all of this information into account when teaching. There are three main steps involved in data-driven instruction:

• Data collection: Data gathered from class assessments and standardized test results, as well as observations from the teacher, provide actionable data to drive instruction.
• Data analysis: Prioritize essential information from non-essential information. Watch for patterns and dive into the reasons behind these results.
• Action: Allow data analysis to draw conclusions regarding the success of the instructional delivery and to identify instructional next steps for individual students.

Delaware Teacher Growth and Support System (DTGSS)
The State of Delaware's professional growth framework for educators, DTGSS, is more than a program; it's a professional coaching and support network.  Educators are provided with the guidance and tools they need to excel in their respective roles.

Under the Delaware Teacher Growth and Support System (DTGSS), administrators use frequent, brief, in-class observations to collect evidence of teaching and learning in action. DTGSS observations, feedback, and evaluations focus on student learning outcomes.  This, in turn, directly affects core teacher skills and instructional strategies. As a result, research-based, high-leverage instructional practices become the norm in every classroom, every day.

Focus on Student Growth
It's not just about where students start; it's about their journey.  We're laser-focused on fostering continuous growth for each student.  Whether it's academic achievement, personal development, or skill enhancement, our aim is consistent, steady forward progress.

Belief in self as a learner and motivation to improve and grow are essential in maximizing student potential.  Educators' attitudes and beliefs shape their students’ attitudes towards learning as either being of a ‘fixed mindset’ or ‘growth mindset’ through their daily interaction with students.

Having a ‘growth mindset’ is essential for any learner, including those who have chosen a profession grounded in learning new and challenging concepts.  Educators must not only embrace a ‘growth mindset’ when it comes to students, but also when it comes to personal and professional learning and growth.