Project: DELTA: Developing and Enhancing Leaders and Teachers for Achievement of Healthy and High-Achieving Students and Schools (DHI Project #21)

Partner: Delta State University, School of Education

The overall purpose of the DELTA Project is to prepare and support school leaders and teachers to work in the high risk Mississippi Delta region where there is a critical shortage of leaders and teachers.The DELTA Project prepares new leaders and teachers to create healthy school environments while developing high achieving students who can have a positive impact on the economic viability and quality of life in communities across the Mississippi Delta Region. Additionally, the DELTA Project provides continued professional development and support to practicing leaders and teachers to promote the retention of quality personnel in Delta area schools.

During the 2011-2012 year, the Leadership Development Program and Teacher Education Program will continue to provide scholarships to selected candidates for preparation as school leaders and teachers.  Candidates exit the full-time leadership program after a 14-month program of study, including three 12-week internships, with either a master’s or specialist degree. They are then eligible to obtain initial administrative licensure upon passing the School Leader Licensure Assessment required by Mississippi. Scholarships in the Teacher Education program will continue to be awarded to eligible undergraduate students.  Teacher education candidates acquire significant pre-service training experience through the Literacy Enhancement Clinic, field experiences in diverse school settings, and significant internships in high quality school sites. The CDC’s eight components of healthy schools have been integrated into the Leadership and Teacher Education curricula preparing graduates to lead the systemic change needed in Delta schools to create healthy, safe, high-achieving school environments for children and youth that ultimately impacts the economic viability and quality of life in the Delta region.  The programs also collaborate with Delta area school leaders and teachers to create healthy, high- achieving schools in the 18-county region served by Delta Health Alliance.