TEDx event stresses education possibilities

Finding ways to improve Delaware’s educational system and expanding opportunities for every child were the focus of a TEDx event Friday in Wilmington.

More than 300 teachers, school officials and child advocates packed the glittering Gold Ballroom at the Hotel du Pont.

The topic: “Education Possible”

Local, regional and national authorities challenged attendees to find ways to improve school facilities, devise programs for the poor and disabled, and, basically, dare to be innovative. Finding those solutions could go a long way toward closing the state’s achievement gap between low-income students and those of means.

Engineering teacher Jordan Estock, for example, talked about how his students created devices to help the disabled fill prescriptions in a pharmacy, pack dog biscuits for sale, even play a violin. Students lead the way, Estock said.

“This involves teachers taking a step back, and allowing students to identify problems, develop their solutions that teachers probably aren’t aware of, and really just be more of a facilitator and a resource for their students rather than just teach very formal lessons,” he said.

TEDx organizer Ajit George said Delaware public schools have enough money to thrive, but educators and administrators need to be unleashed.

“I think it’s giving teachers, classrooms and parent and local schools more freedom to operate as they see fit,” George said.