Delaware: Recruiting Participants for Professional Development to Target Youth in Need

In an effort to target professional development to schools in greatest need, the Delaware PD Team created a matrix of all middle schools and high schools to promote the implementation of evidence-based curricula on HIV Prevention. Variables in the matrix included percentage of minority students, percentage of poverty, AYP status, SLIM score and participation in PD event. The matrix is used as a tool to recruit our next group of teachers and youth development coordinators to attend curriculum PD events.

A partnership, called the “Stakeholders for HIV Prevention for Youth” was established to address needs for youth both in and out of school. The stakeholders include representatives from education, public health, State Children’s Department, HIV clinics, family planning agencies, wellness centers, 4-H, adolescent health service centers, LBGTQ Coalition, Higher Ed., parents and hospitals. The group provides expertise to the strategic planning process and identifies the needs of youth in high risk situations. The partners make recommendations to our professional development team and identify agencies that serve youth in need of HIV prevention education and services. Lead trainers invite youth service workers to the professional development events and provided follow-up and mentoring. The cost of the training is paid by the CDC cooperative agreement .

Delaware has made steady increases in the percentage of schools implementing evidence-based programs. Currently 50% of all public middle schools and high schools have adopted an effective curriculum.

• Contact Person: Janet Ray
• Email Address: jaray@doe.k12.de.us
• Website Address: www.doe.k12.de.us/programs/ci/content_areas/health.shtml