Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education

The Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education (DFSME) grew out of a commitment on the part of the Delaware business community, the education system and the legislature to move to a standards-based education process. They championed the need for high standards for science, math, language arts and social studies in Delaware’s public school system. From its inception in 1995, DFSME has been essential in orchestrating effective systemic reform in Delaware’s public school science and math education. DFSME advocates adoption of world-class standards, enables the piloting, evaluation, adaptation and implementation of innovative and effective science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs in Delaware schools, and works to improve the performance of all Delaware students so that they graduate from high school ready for careers, higher education, and success in the global economy. The common focus of ensuring educational success for every student in Delaware informs the collaboration of DFSME’s partnership of business, K-12 education, higher education, and state and local government, bringing together the working parts needed to have a measurable impact on improving STEM education in Delaware. The results include significant successes in science and mathematics education. DFSME has also has significant impact on teacher preparedness and professional development and, by doing so, indirectly impacts every public school student in Delaware as well as students in many private schools. In addition, DFSME is proud to be the administrator for the Delaware Mathematics Coalition of a major grant from the National Science Foundation and University of Delaware. We are fiscal agent for the Delaware STEM Council and we sponsor and are fiscal agent for Million Women Mentors—Delaware.