Specifications include, but are not limited to: Scope of ServicesA. BackgroundDelaware s K-12 educational system has the following characteristics:Statewide enrollment of more than 131,000 students, including diverse studentpopulations and high mobility rates among some groups41 Local Education Agencies (LEAs), including 19 districts and 22 state-approved charter schools, with enrollments ranging from several hundred studentsto over 17,000207 rural, urban and suburban schoolsNearly 9,000 teachers, including over 7,000 in core subjectsIn July of 2009, President Barack Obama announced $4.35 billion in competitive fundsknown as the Race to the Top Fund to spark transformational improvements to America spublic schools. Among the 41 initial applications for funding, Delaware s plan for reformwas selected as the best, and the State became one of just two first round winners.Governor Markell s reform agendaDelaware is now implementing its four year plan to become the best performing school system in the country. The State will achieve rapid, significant gains in student achievement through the following strategy: Set high standards for college- and career- readiness, and measure progress with high quality assessments and excellent data systems Recruit, retain, develop, and support great teachers and leaders who can help all students meet high standards Build core capabilities to promote great teaching and leadership Accelerate improvements in the State s high-need schools Build capacity to deliver against goals
