First State Times

In the Center for Education Reform's 2024 Parent Power Index, Delaware secured the forty-fifth position, with an Overall Parent Power Index Score of 59.7%.

The index, designed to assess the degree of parental power in each state, highlights key indicators such as Choice Programs, Charter Schools and Innovation. 

Delaware scored a 50% in Choice Programs, which represents families' ability to access and choose programs that best fit their needs. 

The state's Charter Schools system, which is based on the availability of alternative educational options for students and families, scored a 65%.

In the final category of Innovation, scored on the state's dedication to fostering creative and personalized learning environments, Delaware earned a 72%.

While Florida claims the top spot with a 93% overall score, states like Arizona, Indiana, Ohio, and North Carolina follow closely behind in the top rankings, emphasizing a national trend towards prioritizing parental involvement in education.

Kansas, South Dakota, and North Dakota round out the bottom of the list along with six other states that received a grade of ‘F’.

The Parent Power Index serves as a valuable resource for families across the country, offering insights into state-level educational policies and opportunities. 

Through the index's interactive map, parents can explore the status of parental empowerment in their state and discover avenues to advocate for greater involvement and choice in education.

"The Tiny State is in a quandary. With the 11th weakest charter law in the nation and self-imposed moratoriums on the creation of new charter schools, a state funding formula that is unconstitutional and huge education achievement gaps, it's no wonder enrollment is declining and its State Capital and biggest city, Wilmington, has fully one third of students in private schools. Despite the presence of great schools like Odyssey Charter, a 2023 Yass Prize Finalist, which was approved before the state's decline, Delaware fails the parent power test," the Parent Power Index notes.

"In a state where proficiency levels and test scores are dropping precipitously, it’s laudable that the Governor invested another $50 million in his Opportunity Funding plan targeted at improving academic performance among disadvantaged students and marginalized students. However, that’s not really going to get those students what they need today and with limitations on opening new charters and few other innovative options, “Tiny state” voters need to think long and hard about their choices in the next gubernatorial election in 2024," Parent Power Index said in its assessment of the state’s “Policy Environment.”