Source: http://regulations.delaware.gov/register/january2019/final/22%20DE%20Reg%20590%2001-01-19.htm
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 02:14:36+00:00

Document:
The Professional Standards Board, acting in consultation and cooperation with the Delaware Department of Education ("Department"), developed amendments to 14 DE Admin. Code 1517 Paraeducator Permit. The regulation applies to the issuance of a paraeducator permit pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1205(b). On August 1, 2018, the Professional Standards Board published proposed changes. The Professional Standards Board did not receive any written submittals concerning the changes that were published on August 1, 2018. However, the Professional Standards Board, in consultation and cooperation with the Department, made additional substantive changes, including adding definitions of the terms "DEEDS" and "PDMS" to Section 2.0; adding subsections 3.1.3.1, 4.1.3.1, and 5.1.3.1 concerning the requirements for paraeducators whose permits have expired more than one time; clarifying the requirements for renewal in Section 7.0; and clarifying the language concerning professional development transcripts in subsection 8.2. This regulation includes the changes that were published on August 1, 2018 and the additional changes.
Notice of the proposed regulation was published in the Register of Regulations on October 1, 2018. The Professional Standards Board received written submittals from Ann C. Fisher, the Chairperson of the Governor's Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens ("GACEC"), and Nicholas J. Fina, Ed.D., the Chairperson of the State Council for Persons with Disabilities ("SCPD").
GACEC commented that the last sentence in subsection 3.2.1.2 "seems to imply that the standards are fluid and may be different from one applicant to the next." Both GACEC and SCPD commented that the language "engaged in misconduct" in subsections 3.1.1, 4.1.1, and 5.1.1 is not defined. SCPD commented that the proposed regulation "may prevent people with petty criminal backgrounds[, such as marijuana possession,] from obtaining permits." GACEC and SCPD each commented that the proposed regulation eliminates when permit applications will be denied or revoked and the hearing rights for an individual whose permit application has been denied or whose permit has been revoked.
On November 1, 2018, the Professional Standards Board considered GACEC's and SCPD's written submittals. The Professional Standards Board found that the language in subsection 3.2.1.2, which is existing language, is in place to help ensure that an applicant's ParaPro Assessment score is sent from a legitimate source, i.e., the test provider, ETS, and that the language provides that the Department with the discretion to accept documentation of an applicant's score if it is in an unopened, unaltered envelope. In addition, the Professional Standards Board found that misconduct is defined in a statute (14 Del.C. §1218), it includes pleading guilty or nolo contendere with respect to, or being convicted of, a controlled substance or counterfeit controlled substance classified as such in Schedule I, II, III, IV, or V of 16 Del.C. Ch. 47, and marijuana is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under Title 16. The Professional Standards Board is charged with working in conjunction with the Department to develop a system of professional development, professional standards, licensure, and certification that serves to continually improve the quality of instruction for Delaware's children. The Professional Standards Board also found that denial of an application; suspension, limitation, and revocation of a permit; and hearings are addressed in other regulations in 14 DE Admin. Code Ch. 1500 Professional Standards Board.
On November 1, 2018, the Professional Standards Board found that further changes in response to the written submittals were not necessary and voted to propose 14 DE Admin. Code 1517 Paraeducator Permit, in the form that was published, for adoption by the Department subject to the State Board of Education's approval.
The Department finds that the language in subsection 3.2.1.2 is existing language that provides the Department with the discretion to accept documentation of an applicant's ParaPro Assessment score if it is in an unopened, unaltered envelope. Additionally, the Department finds that misconduct is defined in 14 Del.C. §1218, it includes pleading guilty or nolo contendere with respect to, or being convicted of, a controlled substance or counterfeit controlled substance classified as such in Schedule I, II, III, IV, or V of 16 Del.C. Ch. 47, and marijuana is classified as a Title 16 Schedule I controlled substance. Also, the Department finds that denial of an application; suspension, limitation, and revocation of a permit; and hearings are addressed in other regulations in 14 DE Admin. Code Ch. 1500 Professional Standards Board.
The Department finds that further changes in response to the written submittals are not necessary. Additionally, the Department finds that the proposed regulation is necessary to implement 14 Del.C. Ch. 12 and is designed to improve the quality of the Delaware paraeducator workforce and to improve student performance. Accordingly, the Department finds that it is appropriate to amend 14 DE Admin. Code 1517 Paraeducator Permit.
For the foregoing reasons, the Department concludes that it is appropriate to amend 14 DE Admin. Code 1517 Paraeducator Permit subject to the State Board of Education's approval. Therefore, pursuant to 14 Del.C. §§1203 and 1205(b), 14 DE Admin. Code 1517 Paraeducator Permit attached hereto as Exhibit "A" is hereby amended.
The text of 14 DE Admin. Code 1517 Paraeducator Permit adopted hereby shall be in the form attached hereto as Exhibit "A," and said regulation shall be cited as 14 DE Admin. Code 1517 Paraeducator Permit in the Administrative Code of Regulations for the Department of Education.
The actions hereinabove referred to were taken by the Department pursuant to 14 Del.C. §§1203 and 1205(b) on December 20, 2018. The effective date of this Order shall be ten (10) days from the date this Order is published in the Register of Regulations.
IT IS SO ORDERED the 20th day of December, 2018.
Approved this 20th day of December, 2018.
This regulation shall apply to the issuance of a Paraeducator Permit, paraprofessional qualifications and training pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1205(a)(b). This Permit is required of Title I Paraeducators, Instructional Paraeducators, and Service Paraeducators who are employed, either full time or part time, in support positions in public schools. This Permit is required of all Paraeducators, regardless of their employment date.
"Action Research" means a process by which educational issues and problems are identified and researched at either the school or the classroom level. By integrating current research into these settings and engaging the relevant educators in research activities, the findings can be applied immediately to solve the targeted problems more quickly.
"Activity Documentation Form" means the official form approved by the Department that includes specific details about the activity to be used for Permit renewal and the signature of an instructional leader within a school, district or charter school the applicant is responsible to.
"A Product Shall Be Made Available for Verification" means that the culminating, tangible result of the Professional Development activity is accessible by the individual signing the certificate of participation or the Activity Documentation Form. Examples of a product include, but are not limited to, standards-based assessments or curriculum, copies of a presentation or other substantial work as a result of Action Research.
"Associate's Degree" means an academic degree awarded for the successful completion of a program of studies that usually requires at least 2 years or the equivalent thereof of full-time college-level study.
“Associate's or Higher Degree” means that the degree is conferred by a regionally accredited institution of higher education or by a distance education institution that is regionally accredited, or any other accrediting agency the Delaware Secretary of Education deems within his or her discretion, to be reliable or equivalent to a regional accrediting agency.
"Clock Hour" means actual time spent in Professional Development, not credit hours.
“Completed at Least 2 Years of Study at an Institution of Higher Education” means the satisfactory completion of a minimum of sixty (60) semester hours of instruction at a regionally accredited institution of higher education or by a distance education institution that is regionally accredited, or any other accrediting agency the Delaware Secretary of Education deems within his or her discretion, to be reliable or equivalent to a regional accrediting agency, in general or educational studies, including reading, writing, and mathematics content and pedagogy, unless the institution of higher education defines two (2) years of full time study as the successful completion of a minimum of forty-eight (48) semester hours, and provides documentation of such definition.
“DEEDS” means the Delaware Educator Data System.
"Educational Project" means an individual professional growth project of 15 or more Clock Hours, including a research project not related to a course for which credit is claimed, completed to enhance the individual's professional practice, with the development of a final product or report.
“Immorality” means conduct which is inconsistent with the rules and principles of morality expected of an educator or paraeducator and may reasonably be found to impair an educator’s or paraeducator’s effectiveness by reason of his or her unfitness or otherwise.
“Instructional Paraeducator” means a public school employee who provides one-on-one or small group instruction; assists with classroom management or individual student behavior; provides assistance in a computer laboratory; provides support in a library or media center; assists in training and support with functional skill activities, such as personal care or assistive technology; or provides instructional services to students under the direct supervision of a teacher. Instructional Paraeducators are those working with regular education students and students with disabilities in schools other than Title I schoolwide schools or with students not receiving Title I services in Title I targeted assistance schools.
“Paraeducator”, as used herein, means a paraprofessional, as it is defined in 14 Del.C. §1202(10) and as it is used in 14 Del.C. §1205(b). Paraeducators are not "educators" within the meaning of 14 Del.C. §1202(4)(6).
“PDMS” means Professional Development Management System.
“Permit” means a document issued by the Department that verifies an individual's qualifications and training to serve as a Title I, Instructional, or Service Paraeducator.
"Planned Professional Development Program" means a structured program within a building, district or charter school that has been specifically identified through a success plan. Such programs shall be designed to enhance knowledge and skills that promote continuous professional growth and improve student performance.
"Presentation" means preparation and presentation as a workshop or conference presenter or course instructor on a topic related to the individual's professional responsibilities.
"Professional Committee, Conference, Workshop, Institute, or Academy" means a program offered either within, or outside, the state that contributes to the participant's professional knowledge or skills in effectively conducting his/her work in education.
"Professional Development" means a combination of focused, in-depth learning, practice, feedback, reflection, and expert support experiences designed to change participants' attitudes, insights, and perspectives and ultimately results in improved professional practice. Effective professional development programs include ample opportunities for knowledge acquisition, skill mastery, descriptive feedback, and refinement of practice in the work setting as per 14 DE Admin. Code 1598 Delaware Professional Development Standards.
“Service Paraeducator” means a public school employee who provides support services other than instructional assistance to students, but does not include bus aides (See 14 DE Admin. Code 1105).
“Standards Board” means the Professional Standards Board of the State of Delaware as established in response pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1205 Ch. 12.
“State Board” means the State Board of Education of the State of Delaware established in response pursuant to 14 Del.C. §104.
“Title I Paraeducator” means a public school employee who provides one on one or small group instruction; assists with classroom management; provides assistance in a computer laboratory; provides support in a library or media center; or provides instructional services to students under the direct supervision of a teacher. Additionally, Title I Paraeducators are all Instructional Paraeducators who work with regular students and children with disabilities in Title I schoolwide schools and all Title I Paraeducators who work with children receiving Title I services in Title I targeted assistance schools, except those whose duties are limited to acting as a translator or as a home school liaison.
3.1	A Title I Paraeducator must hold a Title I Paraeducator Permit. An Instructional Paraeducator must hold an Instructional Paraeducator Permit.
3.1.1.23.1.1.3	Receipt of The applicant holds an associate's or higher degree; or Associate’s Degree or higher conferred by a regionally accredited institution of higher education or an institution of higher education that is accredited by an accrediting agency that the Secretary, in his or her discretion, deems to be equivalent to a regional accrediting agency.
3.1.1.3	Completion of a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and a passing score on a rigorous assessment of knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, the instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics.
3.1.1.3.1.1	Para Pro assessment with a qualifying score of 459 or higher.
3.1.1.4	Submission of sufficient verifiable evidence of qualifications to the Department which meets all the requirements.
3.1.2.3	Completion of a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and a passing score on a rigorous assessment of knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, the instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics.
3.1.2.3.1.1	Para Pro assessment with a qualifying score of 459 or higher.
3.1.2.4	Submission of sufficient verifiable evidence of qualifications to the Department which meets all the requirements.
3.1.2	An applicant who holds a current permit or the equivalent from another jurisdiction shall meet the requirements herein for the Department to issue him or her a Title I Paraeducator Permit.
3.1.3	An applicant who previously held a Delaware Title I Paraeducator Permit shall be treated as a new applicant and shall meet all requirements of this regulation.
3.1.3.1	If an applicant's Delaware Title I Paraeducator Permit has expired more than one time, the applicant shall have completed fifteen (15) clock hours of Department-approved professional development during the five (5) years prior to the date of the renewal application and shall meet all of the requirements for the issuance of a Title I Paraeducator Permit in effect at the time of application.
3.2	Application Requirements and Procedures.
3.2.1	The An applicant must for a Title I Paraeducator Permit shall submit a Department approved application, his or her official transcript, and, if applicable, his or her official score on the ParaPro Assessment to the Department. The applicant must include official transcripts and when required official scores on an approved assessment of knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, the instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics. The applicant shall certify that answers on the application are true and accurate.
3.2.1.1	Official transcripts shall be forwarded directly from the issuing institution or by the applicant in an unopened, unaltered envelope. Official electronic transcripts forwarded directly to the Department from the issuing institution shall be accepted by the Department. Copies of diplomas and degrees shall not be accepted by the Department.
3.2.1.2	Test ParaPro Assessment scores shall be official and sent directly from Educational Testing Service or other test vendor (ETS). Unopened, unaltered envelopes containing test scores sent to an individual the applicant may be accepted as official. The Department shall determine whether the scores, as presented, are acceptable.
4.1	An Instructional Paraeducator must hold an Instructional Paraeducator Permit.
4.1.1.3	The applicant holds an Associate's Degree or higher conferred by a regionally accredited institution of higher education or an institution of higher education that is accredited by an accrediting agency that the Secretary, in his or her discretion, deems to be equivalent to a regional accrediting agency.
4.1.2	An applicant who holds a permit or the equivalent from another jurisdiction shall meet the requirements herein for the Department to issue him or her an Instructional Paraeducator Permit.
4.1.3	An applicant who previously held a Delaware Instructional Paraeducator Permit shall be treated as a new applicant and shall meet all requirements of this regulation.
4.1.3.1	If an applicant's Delaware Instructional Paraeducator Permit has expired more than one time, the applicant shall have completed fifteen (15) clock hours of Department-approved professional development during the five (5) years prior to the date of the renewal application and shall meet all of the requirements for the issuance of an Instructional Paraeducator Permit in effect at the time of application.
4.2.1	An applicant for an Instructional Paraeducator Permit shall submit a Department approved application, his or her official transcript, and, if applicable, his or her official score on the ParaPro Assessment to the Department. The applicant shall certify that answers on the application are true and accurate.
4.2.1.1	Official transcripts shall be forwarded directly from the issuing institution or by the applicant in an unopened, unaltered envelope. Official electronic transcripts forwarded directly to the Department from the issuing institution shall be accepted by the Department. Copies of diplomas and degrees shall not be accepted by the Department.
4.2.1.2	ParaPro Assessment scores shall be official and sent directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS). Unopened, unaltered envelopes containing test scores sent to the applicant may be accepted as official. The Department shall determine whether the scores, as presented, are acceptable.
4.15.1	All Service Paraeducators Must Hold the Appropriate Permit in accordance with 14 Del.C. §1205(a) A Service Paraeducator must hold a Service Paraeducator Permit.
5.1.1	In accordance with 14 Del.C. §1205(b), the Department shall issue a Service Paraeducator Permit to an otherwise qualified applicant who has not engaged in misconduct in violation of 14 Del.C. §1218 and holds a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent.
4.2	The Department shall issue a Service Paraeducator Permit to an otherwise qualified applicant who has submitted a Department approved application form and who provides evidence of a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent.
5.1.2	An applicant who holds a permit or the equivalent from another jurisdiction shall meet the requirements herein for the Department to issue him or her a Service Paraeducator Permit.
5.1.3	An applicant who previously held a Delaware Service Paraeducator Permit shall be treated as a new applicant and shall meet all requirements of this regulation.
5.1.3.1	If an applicant's Delaware Service Paraeducator Permit has expired more than one time, the applicant shall have completed fifteen (15) clock hours of Department-approved professional development during the five (5) years prior to the date of the renewal application and shall meet all of the requirements for the issuance of a Service Paraeducator Permit in effect at the time of application.
5.2.1	An applicant for a Service Paraeducator Permit shall submit a Department approved application and his or her official transcript to the Department. The applicant shall certify that answers on the application are true and accurate.
5.2.1.1	Official transcripts shall be forwarded directly from the issuing institution or by the applicant in an unopened, unaltered envelope. Official electronic transcripts forwarded directly to the Department from the issuing institution shall be accepted by the Department. Copies of diplomas and degrees shall not be accepted by the Department.
5.1	Unless stated otherwise herein, a Title I, Instructional, or Service Paraeducator Permit shall be valid for five (5) years from the Date of Issuance unless revoked.
5.2	The Department shall renew a Paraeducator Permit, valid for an additional five (5) years, to a Paraeducator who provides evidence of successful completion of a minimum of fifteen (15) clock hours of approved professional development.
5.3	The paraeducator is required to complete fifteen (15) clock hours of approved professional development during the term of validity of the Paraeducator Permit.
7.1	The Department may renew a Paraeducator Permit, valid for an additional five (5) years, to a Paraeducator who provides evidence of successful completion of a minimum of fifteen (15) clock hours of Department-approved professional development.
7.2	Paraeducators are required to complete fifteen (15) clock hours of Department-approved professional development during the term of validity of the Paraeducator Permit.
7.2.1	Delaware employing authorities shall verify clock hours for applicants who are currently employed by a Delaware employing authority.
7.2.2	The Department shall verify clock hours for applicants who are not currently employed by a Delaware employing authority or who are employed in another jurisdiction and wish to renew their Paraeducator Permit(s). The applicant shall be required to submit verifying documentation to the Department with the renewal application.
6.2	Options listed in Section 6.2 shall be valid for paraeducators holding a Permit whose expiration date does not exceed December 10, 2015.
6.2.1	College credit completed at a regionally accredited college or university with a grade of "C" or better or a "P" in a pass or fail course (One  semester hour equals fifteen (15) clock hours).
6.2.2	Planned school professional development day (maximum six (6) clock hours per day).
6.2.3	Professional conference, workshop, institute, or academy that contributes to the participant's knowledge, competence, performance, or effectiveness as a paraeducator (verified clock hours actively involved in workshop or conference sessions).
6.2.4	Participation on a school, district, or state sponsored committee which has as its focus curriculum, instruction, or school or district improvement (verified clock hours of service or experience).
6.3	Educators holding a Paraeducator Permit whose expiration date does not exceed December 10, 2015 may also use the Paraeducator Permit renewal options listed in Section 6.3.
6.3.2	Professional development programs targeting curriculum, instruction, assessment, school climate, or other identified need.
6.3.3	A Committee, Professional Learning Community (PLC), Conference, Workshop, Institute or Academy that contribute to the participant's knowledge and skills, competence, performance or effectiveness in education that are directly connected to the school, district or charter school’s Success Plan or State initiative. This option includes workshops offered by districts or other employing authorities either as part of a professional development day or during after school hours.
6.4	Options listed in Section 6.2 for the renewal of a Paraeducator Permit shall expire on December 10, 2015.
6.5	Educators either receiving their original Paraeducator Permit after December 11, 2010 or upon renewing their Paraeducator Permit on or after December 11, 2010 shall use the options listed in Section 6.3.
Verified Clock Hours completing Action Research or other Educational Project. Maximum of 15 Clock Hours.
The verified Clock Hours shall be accrued during the Action Research or other Educational Project. The documented goal for the participant(s) shall be a product and a new set of educator Knowledge and Skills. These shall complement the school, district, or charter school’s success plan or State’s initiative and shall be focused on student learning. A Product Shall Be Made Available for Verification.
If an educator does not complete NBPTS or Similar National Certification, the educator may use the verified Clock Hours as an other Educational Project.
A certificate of participation; a professional development transcript from PDMS (that did not electronically transfer to DEEDS) or a comparable professional development program; or the completed Activity Documentation Form as well as the final product which documents the goals and results of the Action Research or other Educational Project shall be presented to the Department.
Verified Clock Hours involved in recertification activities.
The certification to maintain a State professional license as required in the applicable regulation.
A certificate of attendance and the original certificate of completion for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) shall be presented to the Department.
Clock Hours may be accrued where 1 semester hour equals 15 hours and 1 quarter semester hour or Continuing Education Unit (CEU) equals 10 hours.
The course shall be completed within a matriculated Masters program, Doctoral program or a graduate level course of study at or through a regionally accredited college or university or other Department-approved provider. The course may also be an undergraduate course as seen by the educator as necessary to acquire new Knowledge and Skills related to the educator’s position. The course shall be taken at a regionally accredited college or university for credit. The educator shall attain a grade of "C" or better (or a "P" in Pass / Fail course).
Official transcripts or an original certificate of completion for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) shall be presented to the Department.
Verified Clock Hours of service. Minimum of 3 Clock Hours. Maximum of 15 Clock Hours over the course of 5 years.
The documented goal is a curricular component and/or an encompassing assessment. A Product Shall Be Made Available for Verification.
Verified Clock Hours of service or experience.
The Planned Professional Development Program shall focus on the school, district or charter school’s success plan which may be targeting curriculum, instruction, assessment, school climate, or other identified need or shall be related to the educator’s work with students or staff.
Verified Clock Hours of presentation and preparation. The ratio of preparation to presentation is 3:1. Each presentation topic may be submitted one time. Maximum of 15 Clock Hours.
The Presentation shall contribute to the education profession or add to the body of knowledge in the educator’s specific field. The Presentation shall be made at a local, state, regional or national conference.
The completed Activity Documentation Form and conference agenda listing the Presentation shall be presented to the Department.
The educator may include time spent in those portions of the Professional Committee, Conference, Workshop, Institute or Academy that contribute to the educator’s Knowledge and Skills, competence, performance or effectiveness in education that are directly connected to the school, district or charter school’s success plan or State initiative. This option includes workshops offered by districts or other employing authorities either as part of a professional development day or during after school hours. Examples of expected student or educator outcomes are anticipated.
The completed Activity Documentation Form and the original certificate of attendance or completion or a letter from the Professional Committee, Conference, Workshop, Institute or Academy staff shall be presented to the Department.
7.19.1	An applicant shall disclose his or her criminal conviction history upon application for any Paraeducator Permit.
7.29.2	Failure to disclose a criminal conviction history is grounds for denial or revocation of a Paraeducator Permit as specified in 14 Del.C. §1219.
8.1	An applicant may be denied a paraeducator permit upon a finding that the applicant has failed to meet the requirements set forth herein or is unfit to be issued a permit in the State.
8.2	A Paraeducator Permit may be revoked upon the dismissal of the permit holder for immorality, misconduct in office, incompetence, willful neglect of duty or disloyalty, and must be revoked upon a finding that the permit holder made a materially false or misleading statement in his or her permit application.
8.3	A Paraeducator whose Permit has been denied or revoked may file a request for a hearing with the Secretary within ten (10) days of receipt of the notice of denial or revocation.
8.3.1	The Secretary’s decision shall be final.

References: §1205
 §1218
 §1218
 §1205
 §1202
 §1205
 §1202
 §1205
 §104
 §1205
 §1205
 §1218
 §1219