About Us
The Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education (DFSME) is a business-community-government partnership throughout the State of Delaware. We work with Educators and Administrators by supporting professional development on the best practices and improvements in STEM programs.
Our Mission
DFSME’s mission is to make Delaware’s students competitive in the global workforce by advancing high-quality STEM education.
Our Vision
Our vision is that Delaware’s world-class STEM education system will serve as a magnet to attract businesses, families, and innovative educators to come to and remain in Delaware.
Our Advocacy to Action
Our Advocacy to Action is a catalyst for change for a world-class STEM presence in Delaware’s education system, implementing an improved effectiveness through STEM education reform and real impact.
Our Goals
Goal 1 – Achieve high STEM literacy across all demographics
Goal 2 – Increase real-world STEM experiences
Goal 3 – Increase the quality of STEM education in Delaware
Achievements
- • Bringing business support to public school programs in math and science
- • Working with the Delaware Department of Education to introduce systemic change in STEM education areas through professional development, educational materials, and other methods
- Bringing legislative attention to STEM-related issues and needs affecting the public school sector
- Working with Delaware institutions of higher education to address STEM-related issues in teacher education
- Identified, piloted, and supported a world-class math curriculum now in place at school districts, charter schools, and private schools throughout Delaware
- Founded the Delaware Science Coalition and Delaware Math Coalition
- Garnered support resulting in the updating of elementary teacher certification standards
- Introduced curriculum at Wilmington University that enhances teachers’ math literacy and best practices—now a requirement for the College of Education’s elementary program
- Supported the alignment of Delaware’s science curriculum with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core State Standards
- Identified statewide needs in STEM education
- Supported Delaware STEM Council in bringing programs and events to Delaware students and educators
Background
In 1992, the Delaware business community, education system, and the legislature committed to a standards-based education process in our public school system. They championed the need for high standards for science, math, language arts, and social studies. Recognizing that educational reform is generational, the corporate community decided to stay involved for the long haul.
The Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education (DFSME) grew from this commitment. Formed in 1995, DFSME has orchestrated effective systemic reform in science and math education in Delaware’s public schools. DFSME first focused on science reform, serving as fiscal agent for a $6MM National Science Foundation (NSF) grant piloting Smithsonian LASER (Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform). The curriculum, which became known as Smithsonian Science, was adopted by all the state’s districts.
In the mid-2000s, DFSME continued supporting science, particularly the updating of units to include new discoveries and incorporate new technology and methodologies. But DFSME also began to turn its attention to math, identifying and piloting an international math program and supporting several math initiatives throughout the state.
At the same time, the nation was growing aware of the increasing importance of technology and engineering to remain competitive on the world stage. While its definition of science always included these topics, DFSME expanded its embrace to include the specific activities that, for the last decade, have been referred to as “STEM”— science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. DFSME has since worked to raise awareness of the broad variety of STEM fields, STEM education, and STEM careers.
Turning Commitment into Action
DFSME exists to bring together thought leaders and actors in business, K-12 education, higher education, and state and local government. Our common focus on ensuring educational success for every student in Delaware informs this collaboration, bringing together the many working parts needed to have a measurable impact on improving science and math education in the state.