Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 3, September 1, 2024
6.1 Providers must apply for new program
approval to the Administrator in a format and timeline determined by the
Department as provided in subsections 6.1.1 through 6.1.4.
6.1.1 If the program is in a content area and
seeks SPA recognition, the program shall submit an application to the
Administrator and documentation of seeking SPA recognition.
6.1.2 If the program is in a content area and
seeks Department approval, the program shall notify the Department of its
intent to initiate the review process at least 6 months before approval is
required. In addition, at least 90 days before approval is required the
provider shall submit the application to the Administrator. The application
shall include all of the information provided in subsections 6.1.2.1 through
6.1.2.9.
6.1.2.1 A description of the program
for which approval is sought and other administrative information, including
the plan for implementing Department-mandated program components as provided in
Section 4.0. The description
shall include a detailed description and outline of the proposed program
content and coursework and of the alignment with content standards.
6.1.2.2 Identification of the certifications
the program will address.
6.1.2.3
Justification for the new program.
6.1.2.4 A needs assessment demonstrating the
demand for such program graduates in the employment market and demand by
potential participant.
6.1.2.5 The
curriculum for the program, including finalized syllabi for any new
courses.
6.1.2.6 Descriptions of
the expected outcomes of the programs and of how those outcomes will be
assessed.
6.1.2.7 Vitae for all
faculty delivering instruction in or administering the program.
6.1.2.8 Descriptions of materials, media and
resources available for the program, and how technology is integrated into the
curriculum or program.
6.1.2.9 A
description of how the program is aligned to applicable content and pedagogy
standards.
6.1.3 If the
program is in a content area and seeks CAEP Evidence Review of Standard 1 shall
submit an application to the Administrator and documentation of the CAEP
Evidence Review of Standard 1.
6.1.4 If the program is not in a content
area, is for teachers of students with disabilities, or is for leaders, the
program shall notify the Department of its intent to initiate the review
process at least 6 months before approval is required. In addition, at least 90
days before approval is required the provider shall submit the application to
the Administrator. The application shall include all of the information
provided in subsections 6.1.4.1 through 6.1.4.9.
6.1.4.1 A description of the program for
which approval is sought and other administrative information, including the
plan for implementing Department-mandated program components as provided in
Section 4.0. The description
shall include a detailed description and outline of the proposed program
content and coursework and of the alignment with content standards.
6.1.4.2 Identification of the certifications
the program will address.
6.1.4.3
Justification for the new program.
6.1.4.4 A needs assessment demonstrating the
demand for such program graduates in the employment market and demand by
potential participants.
6.1.4.5 The
curriculum for the program, including finalized syllabi for any new
courses.
6.1.4.6 Descriptions of
the expected outcomes of the programs and of how those outcomes will be
assessed.
6.1.4.7 Vitae for all
faculty delivering instruction in or administering the program.
6.1.4.8 Descriptions of materials, media and
resources available for the program, and how technology is integrated into the
curriculum or program.
6.1.4.9 A
description of how the program is aligned to applicable content and pedagogy
standards.
6.2
Review of applications submitted pursuant to subsections 6.1.1 or 6.1.4.
6.2.1 Upon completion of the application
review, the Department will appoint individuals to review the application as a
team and the review team shall complete a report on the proposed program.
6.2.1.1 Applications shall be reviewed by a
Department review team, which shall consist of at least 2 members including the
Administrator or the Administrator's designee, 1 of whom shall be the chair.
The provider shall be notified as to the members chosen for the
review.
6.2.1.2 Experts in the
content of the proposed program shall be included on the review team. The
Department may select members of the review team from outside the Department if
a content expert in the field of the proposed program is not available within
the Department.
6.2.1.3 If those
initially selected are unable to serve, substitute members may be selected and
the provider shall be notified of the substitute members.
6.2.1.4 Prior to participating in the review,
review team members shall receive training by the Department in the procedure
for review of program proposals and timelines for proposal review.
6.2.2 The review team's report
will contain the Department's determination of approval or disapproval of the
proposed program.
6.2.3 The
Administrator shall provide a copy of the report to the provider. Providers
shall have 30 calendar days after Departmental provision of the report to
submit a response in writing pointing out any perceived factual errors and
providing any available documentation to support those claims.
6.2.4 The Administrator shall review a
provider's response and may amend the report.
6.3 Review of applications and documentation
submitted pursuant to subsections 6.1.1 or 6.1.3. The Department will review
submitted applications and documents and provide approval of the program or
rejection of the proposal, notifying representatives of the provider.
6.4 Programs that have been approved under
subsections 6.2 or 6.3 will be given provisional approval for 1 year if the
application meets standards set forth in subsections 6.4.1 through 6.4.9. For
the purpose of this regulation, provisional approval means the provider is
authorized to proceed with the program identified in the application, and to
admit the first cohort of participants to the program.
6.4.1 The program shall have a comprehensive
curriculum that aligns with the standards and requirements set forth by the
State for educator preparation. The curriculum content shall cover essential
areas, such as pedagogy, subject matter knowledge, instructional strategies,
assessment techniques, and classroom management.
6.4.2 The program's instructors shall possess
appropriate qualifications and expertise in their respective fields. They shall
demonstrate proficiency in teaching methodologies and instructional
practices.
6.4.3 The program shall
include practical, hands-on field experiences in educational settings, such as
student teaching, practicum, or internship placements. The program shall
provide opportunities for students to engage in meaningful and supervised
clinical experiences in authentic settings. Field experiences shall provide
opportunities for candidates to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world
teaching environments.
6.4.4 The
program shall provide comprehensive preparation for the responsibilities and
challenges of teaching in the relevant subject area and grade level.
6.4.5 The program shall demonstrate a
commitment to ongoing evaluation and improvement, utilizing data-driven
processes to assess student outcomes, program effectiveness, and overall
quality.
6.4.6 The program shall
maintain transparency in its operations, providing clear information to
stakeholders regarding program requirements, expectations, policies, and
outcomes.
6.4.7 The program shall
uphold ethical standards in all aspects of its operation, including
recruitment, admissions, instruction, assessment, and support
services.
6.4.8 The program shall
maintain financial stability to ensure its long-term viability and ability to
fulfill its commitments to students, faculty, and other stakeholders.
6.4.9 The program shall comply with all
applicable laws, regulations, and statutes governing educator preparation,
including those outlined in 14 Del.C.
§§
185 - 194.
6.5 Upon receipt and review of the first
annual report aligned with the requirements stated in Sections
4.0 and
8.0, the Department may extend
provisional approval for up to 4 additional years. Programs on provisional
approval shall be required to comply with all data reporting requirements in
Section 8.0 and any
additional data as required by the Department.
6.6 Full (non-provisional) program approval
may be granted after the submission and approval of data and reporting as
provided in Section
8.0 for the first cohort to exit the
program.