Things to Know About the Learning Link

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About History, Goals, Partners, Staff & Credentials

What Is the History?

The Learning Link of Delaware is an expansion and outgrowth of the Delaware Parent Leadership Institute (DPLI). 

DPLI was developed by the Rodel Foundation of Delaware to train parents to better understand school achievement data so they could assist educators in making educational improvements. As DPLI programs continue as part of the Learning Link, Rodel will continue as a supporter and advisor for the new organization.

Since 2005, the Delaware Parent Leadership Institute has trained more than 100 parents to be more effective advocates for students in Delaware public schools. The DPLI is open to all parents and caregivers who have demonstrated leadership potential in their communities and an interest in improving schools and academic achievement for all students. 

A key element of DPLI is the commitment of its participants to design and carry out projects that will involve greater numbers of parents and have a lasting positive impact on student achievement. More than 700 parents and students have participated in academically centered activities sponsored by DPLI graduates. 

What Are the Goals?

The goal of the Learning Link of Delaware is to link schools, families and communities to accelerate the educational achievement of every student in the state. More urgently, the organization will address one of the most prominent educational and civil rights issues of our time — the Growing Achievement Gap between white students and minority students (defined as low-income, African American or Hispanic students). This issue is especially relevant in Delaware where, according to the 2008 Vision 2015 Progress Report, more than 80 percent of white students in the state are proficient on the state math exams, compared to only 55  percent of all African American students, and 65 percent of Hispanic students.

Statistics show that a key factor inhibiting these students' ability to achieve academic success is a lack of parental involvement. Engaging families in the process of education is essential to meeting higher standards and reaching more students — regardless of ethnicity or socioeconomic factors. 

Through training, programming and outreach, the Learning Link of Delaware has commitment to:

  • Increase student achievement in Delaware by engaging parents and the community and encouraging them to become active participants in their local schools;
  • Improve communication between schools, homes and the community; 
  • Improve families' abilities to assist students at home;
  • Increase the capacity of parents to understand school policies/procedures and advocate for their child's learning;
  • Refine school understanding of how to engage parents and provide new opportunities for parent involvement at the school site;
  • Increase awareness of student achievement;
  • Increase the number of statewide education advocates and the public will for a quality education;
  • Improve parent leadership skills;
  • Increase local school capacity.

Who Is on the Board of Directors?

The Learning Link of Delaware will be led by a Board of Directors drawn from individuals across the state who have distinguished themselves as community leaders, education leaders and parents working to improve opportunities for the children of Delaware. The membership of the Board of Directors is in place.

Who Are Learning Link Partners?

To ensure maximum participation and success, the Learning Link of Delaware has partnered with Parent Information Center of Delaware, Parents As Teachers and Delaware’s Department of Education. 

Innovative Schools
Read Aloud Delaware
University of Delaware
Lieutenant Governor's Office

 

Who Is the Executive Director?

The Executive Director of the Learning Link of Delaware is Shannon Griffin. For more than 10 years, Ms. Griffin has been a passionate advocate for parents and students in Delaware. Since becoming Executive Director of the Learning Link of Delaware she has been instrumental in conceptualizing and developing the goals, outreach and programming of this dynamic new organization. 

Prior to heading the Learning Link, Ms. Griffin served as the Program Director of Family and Community Engagement for the Rodel Foundation of Delaware. With Rodel, she managed the Delaware Parent Leadership Institute, a program designed to educate and empower parents of children in public schools as avocates for higher achievement for all students. The Learning Link of Delaware is an expansion and outgrowth of this very successful parent engagement effort.

In her career, Ms. Griffin has worked with a variety of community and faith-based organizations to assist parents understand their rights and responsibilities within the public education system. Her belief that parents are essential contributors to education inspired one of her most notable achievements, the creation of a community-based after-school program focused on underserved students in Grades 3-6 who were struggling in the areas of math and reading.  

Ms. Griffin holds a Master's degree in Organizational Management & Leadership and a Bachelor's degree in Human Services from Springfield College.