How Are IRSD Schools Doing This Year?
- 38th District Republican Club
- Sep 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 21
Falling Behind
The latest IRSD assessment report (2019–2025) shows that our schools are not just struggling to improve — they have lost ground compared to pre-2020 and 2022 levels.
In 2022, 4th grade math reached about 54 percent proficiency. By 2024-25, it had dropped back into the low 40s. SAT English Language Arts (ELA), reading and writing scores peaked near 54 percent in 2022 but have since declined. Science proficiency remains under 30 percent in most tested grades. In some cases, growth is not just flat — it is negative.
This is not simply a matter of slow progress. Students are losing ground. Where should our students be in proficiency? They should be 100% proficient at their grade level! And we as a community should accept nothing less. If our students our failing, our schools are failing our teachers are failing, and our community is failing.
What We Need
Our community deserves a clear, measurable plan to return to pre-2022 levels within one to two years. Specific improvement targets must be set, such as moving math proficiency from around 40 percent back toward 50 percent or higher, at a MINIMUM. Our true goal is 100% proficient at grade level. Interventions must be anchored in data, with teacher support and accountability. And progress must be reported transparently and regularly to parents and the community.
Where Delaware Ranks
This problem is not unique to our district. Delaware as a state is struggling.
According to the Education Recovery Scorecard, Delaware ranks 49th in math recovery and 47th in reading recovery from 2019 to 2024.
The 2024 KIDS COUNT Data Book ranked Delaware 45th in education overall, citing declining test scores and worsening chronic absenteeism.
Delaware’s students deserve to live in a state ranked at the top, not the bottom.
Visualizing the Trend
This chart compares results from 2019, 2022, and 2025. Students were making progress before, but results have since declined. At the very least, we must recover the ground that has been lost — then aim higher.
What Parents Can Do
Parents and community members play an essential role. Attending school board meetings and Curriculum Committee meetings, which are open to the public, is one of the most effective ways to ensure accountability. Community presence helps keep the focus where it belongs — on academic excellence and real improvement for students.
Next IRSD School Board Meeting
The IRSD School Board meetings occur on the fourth Monday of each month at 6 PM, starting with a closed Executive Session. The meetings usually opens to the public at 7 PM, allowing for public comments. School Board meetings are held at Millsboro Middle School, 302 E State Street, Millsboro.
You can also participate in committee meetings related to curriculum, finance, policy, buildings and grounds, among other topics, which are also open to the public. These are held the second Monday of each month.
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Do you want to get more involved locally? The 38th District includes Bethany Beach, South Bethany, Fenwick Island, Ocean View, Millville, Selbyville and Frankford. YOU can make a difference! Email info@38thdrcp.com for more information. Also, sign up for the State GOP e-Newsletters here.
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Upcoming Meetings
Sussex GOP Region Meeting, September 9th Millsboro Fire Hall
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38th Club Meeting, Monday, November, 6:30pm, South Coastal Library, Bethany Beach
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