Sussex Progressive Community Dinner Meeting January 25, 2015 at 5 pm
Speaker: State Senator Bryan Townsend
Subject: Status of Public Education in Delaware
Senator Townsend, a graduate of Delaware public schools and the University of Delaware, completed a master’s degree in Chinese at the University of Cambridge in England and Peking University in China, and a law degree at Yale Law School. He comes from a family of educators, including his wife, mother, brothers, and sisters-in-law. Senator Townsend believes education is the most important issue for Delaware and our country. He ran for the State Senate to help improve local schools, increase autonomy for schoolteachers, and ensure Delaware schoolchildren have real job and education opportunities after they graduate.
Senator Townsend believes there must be a halt to the current emphasis on high-stakes standardized tests. These tests are an inadequate approach both for preparing our children for their future careers in dynamic industries, and for evaluating teacher performance. We must provide the laws, funding, and support necessary for our students and teachers to develop the nuanced and nurturing relationships that are at the heart of a great education. We should not measure educational success primarily on test scores. Our fundamental measure should be the success of Delaware students who choose to pursue higher education or who choose to seek employment immediately after high school.
Following his formal remarks, Senator Townsend will take part in a Town Hall meeting moderated by Fayetta Blake, Sussex County Director of Pathways to Success and Chair of Sussex Unity.
Bring your questions about charter schools, faculty diversity in Sussex schools, school choice, current legislation and other issues relevant to the status of public education.
Restaurant Information Fish On Bar & Grill is on Route 9 in the Villages of Five Points just east of Route One. There is ample free parking and a private dining room. Attendees may choose from the complete menu, including a Sunday Night special of three courses for $19.
The Sussex Progressive Community is a non-partisan group that meets periodically to give Progressives an opportunity to meet, learn, and act if they so choose.
Reservations required. RSVP to Joanne Cabry. Please include the names of all in your party who are attending.
