DSTP tests are tied to rigorous content standards for Delaware education, which have been widely recognized as among the best in the nation for defining the knowledge and skills required for students to succeed beyond high school. Delaware's standards have been widely recognized for excellence by publications such as Time, Forbes, and Education Week.

The annually administered DSTP contributes to a vigorous reform initiative launched several years ago in education in Delaware. The results of the testing program provide our educators with a better understanding of how well prepared our students will be to meet the challenges that lie ahead. With this knowledge, Delaware students, educators and parents will know where they are and how far they have to go.

Special Programs
Delaware has recently completed a comprehensive study of the funding and structure of special education. This report will provide direction for school restructuring to better support children with disabilities and other at-risk learners.

Delaware has instituted a Comprehensive School Discipline Improvement Plan which establishes Alternative Programs for severely disruptive and expelled students in all three counties. School-Based Intervention Programs in grades 7-12 in all school districts, and pilot/ demonstration Community School Prevention Programs provide school linked/community based services for children and families.

Delaware has undertaken to establish School-Based Wellness Centers in every high school that wants one. Currently, 29 high schools statewide have Wellness Centers in operation.

Nonpublic Schools
In addition to Delaware's outstanding public schools, there are also 261 private and parochial schools, including specialized schools for the physically or emotionally handicapped. In the fall of 1997, approximately 25,497 students were enrolled in nonpublic elementary and secondary schools throughout the State.

Vocational-Technical Education
More than two-thirds of Delaware's secondary students participate in some form of vocational-technical education in both regular comprehensive high schools and vocational-technical high schools. Flexibility in the vocational-technical curriculum allows the State to offer new or adjusted courses to meet the economic development needs of the State. Delaware is one of just a few states that provide related training for registered apprentices at no charge to the apprentice or the employers. More than 5,000 adults annually enroll in apprenticeship and trade extension programs. All vocational-technical schools in Delaware offer a full-time integrated sequential academic and vocational curriculum. Vocational-technical students are encouraged to participate in Tech Prep (2+2) programs allowing articulated secondary and post-secondary technical curricula to ease the transition to further college training in their career areas. Vocational framework commissions for Agriculture and Business/ Industry/ Finance are operational and have finished curriculum standards development. A commission for technology education has been appointed by the State Board of Education.

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