department of education

Office of the Secretary

proposed

Education Impact Analysis Pursuant to 14 Del.C. Section 122(d)

107 Specialist Appraisal Process Delaware Performance Appraisal System (DPAS II)

A. Type of Regulatory Action Required

Amendment to Existing Regulation

B. Synopsis of Subject Matter of the Regulation

The Secretary of Education seeks the consent of the State Board of Education to amend 14 DE Admin. 107 Specialist Appraisal Process Delaware Performance Appraisal System (DPAS II) to reflect the status of DPAS II from a pilot to implementation and to reflect comments and suggestions from the evaluations conducted at the conclusion of the first (June 2006) and second year (June 2007) of the pilot. The evaluations were conducted by Progress Education Corporation. The rewritten regulation will reflect changes to the procedures, the forms and the student improvement section of the regulation.

Persons wishing to present their views regarding this matter may do so in writing by the close of business on or before September 5, 2007 to Susan Keene Haberstroh, Education Associate, Regulation Review and Legislative Liaison, Department of Education, at 401 Federal Street, Suite 2, Dover, DE 19901. A copy of this regulation is available from the above address or may be viewed at the Department of Education business office.

C. Impact Criteria

1. Will the amended regulation help improve student achievement as measured against state achievement standards? This regulation addresses the appraisal system for specialists, and does not address student achievement against the state achievement standards.

2. Will the amended regulation help ensure that all students receive an equitable education? This regulation addresses the appraisal system for specialists and not does directly address whether all students receive an equitable education.

3. Will the amended regulation help to ensure that all students’ health and safety are adequately protected? This regulation does not address student health or student safety.

4. Will the amended regulation help to ensure that all students’ legal rights are respected? This regulation addresses the specialist appraisal system and not students’ legal rights.

5. Will the amended regulation preserve the necessary authority and flexibility of decision making at the local board and school level? This regulation preserves the authority and flexibility to the extent the appraisal system is carried out at the board and school level.

6. Will the amended regulation place unnecessary reporting or administrative requirements or mandates upon decision makers at the local board and school levels? This regulation does not place unnecessary reporting or administrative requirements or mandates upon decision makers at the local board or school levels.

7. Will the decision making authority and accountability for addressing the subject to be regulated be placed in the same entity? The decision-making and accountability for the specialist appraisal system is maintained at the local board or charter school level.

8. Will the amended regulation be consistent with and not an impediment to the implementation of other state educational policies, in particular to state educational policies addressing achievement in the core academic subjects of mathematics, science, language arts and social studies? This regulation does not provide an impediment to the implementation of other state educational policies.

9. Is there a less burdensome method for addressing the purpose of the regulation? This regulation reflects information provided by an evaluation of the pilot, which has resulted in streamlining the process.

10. What is the cost to the State and to the local school boards of compliance with the regulation? There are no additional costs to the local school boards or charter schools in complying with this regulation.

107 Specialist Appraisal Process Delaware Performance Appraisal System (DPAS II)

1.1 For specialists participating in the pilot, any rating received on a Summative Evaluation conducted during the pilot period shall not be included in the determination of a pattern of ineffective practice as defined in 7.0.

1.2 Specialist shall mean a licensed and certificated staff person who is part of the school team and delivers professional services to students, teachers, staff and families. Specialists include but are not limited to guidance counselors, instructional support specialists, library media specialists, school psychologists, school nurses, student support specialists, and therapeutic services specialists.

“Announced Observation” shall consist of the Preobservation Form and conference with the evaluator, an observation by the evaluator at an agreed upon date and time, and the associated formative conferences and reports. The observation for the specialist may be a collection of data over a specified period of time, up to four (4) weeks, or it may be an observation of sufficient length to gather appropriate data but not less than twenty (20) minutes.

“Board” shall mean a local board of education or a charter school board of directors.

“Certified Evaluator” shall mean the individual, usually the supervisor of the specialist, who has successfully completed the evaluation training in accordance with 9.0.

“DPAS” shall mean the Delaware Performance Appraisal System in effect prior to DPAS II.

“Experienced Specialist” is a specialist who holds a valid and current Continuing or Advanced License, or Standard or Professional Status Certificate issued prior to August 1, 2003 or holds a valid and current license from their respective licensure body.

“Improvement Plan” shall be the plan that a specialist and evaluator mutually develop in accordance with section 8.0.

“Novice Specialist” is a specialist who holds a valid and current Initial License or holds a valid and current license from their respective licensure body and has less than three (3) years of experience as a specialist.

“Satisfactory Component Rating” shall mean the specialist understands the concepts of the component and the specialist’s performance in that component is acceptable.

“Satisfactory Evaluation” shall be used to qualify for a continuing license and shall be equivalent to the overall “Effective” or “Needs Improvement” rating on the Summative Evaluation.

“Summative Evaluation” shall be the rating process at the conclusion of the appraisal cycle.

“Technical Assistance Document” shall mean the manual that contains the prescribed forms, detailed procedures, evaluation criteria and other relevant documents that assist in the appraisal process.

“Unannounced Observation” shall consist of an observation by the evaluator at a date and time that has not been previously arranged and the associated formative conferences and reports. The unannounced observation for the specialist may be an observation of sufficient length to gather appropriate data but not less than twenty (20) minutes.

“Unsatisfactory Component Rating” shall mean that the specialist does not understand the concepts of the component and the specialist’s performance in that component is not acceptable.

“Unsatisfactory Evaluation” shall be the equivalent to the overall “Ineffective” rating on the Summative Evaluation.

3.1 Experienced specialists who have earned a rating of “Effective” on their most recent Summative Evaluation shall receive a minimum of one (1) Announced Observation each year with a Summative Evaluation at the end of the one year period. This minimum annual evaluation for an experienced specialist who has earned an effective rating may be waived for the subsequent year but not for two (2) consecutive years. Up to one half of the experienced specialists in a building who received a rating of “Effective” or “Exemplary” on the most recent DPAS Performance Appraisal Summative Evaluation may have the annual Summative Evaluation waived.

3.2 Experienced specialists who have earned a rating of “Needs Improvement” or “Ineffective” on their most recent Summative Evaluation shall receive a minimum of one (1) Announced Observation and one (1) Unannounced Observation with a Summative Evaluation at the end of the one year period. These specialists shall have an Improvement Plan which may require additional observations and other types of monitoring as outlined in the Technical Assistance Document.

3.3 Novice specialists shall receive a minimum of one (1) Announced Observation and one (1) Unannounced Observation with a Summative Evaluation at the end of the one year period. Novice specialists who have earned a rating of “Needs Improvement” or “Ineffective” on their most recent Summative Evaluation shall have an Improvement Plan which may require additional observations or other types of monitoring as outlined in the Technical Assistance Document.

4.1 All districts and charter schools shall use the document entitled Delaware Performance Appraisal System (DPAS) II Technical Assistance Document as developed by the Department of Education to assist in the implementation of the appraisal system. The Technical Assistance Document shall be reviewed biannually by the State Board of Education. Any recommendations for change shall be submitted to the Department of Education for consideration.

4.2 The Document shall contain, at a minimum, the following:

4.2.1 Specific details about each of the five (5) components listed in 5.1.

4.2.2 All forms or documents needed to complete the requirements of the appraisal process including Announced Observation, Unannounced Observation, Summative Evaluation, Improvement Plan and Challenge Form.

4.2.3 Specific procedures for observations, conferences, ratings, Summative Evaluation, Improvement Plan(s), and Challenges.

5.1 The following five (5) components shall be the basis upon which the performance of a specialist shall be evaluated by a certified evaluator:

5.1.1 Planning and Preparation

5.1.1.1 Designing Coherent Programs or Services: Specialist designs activities and plans for services that support the needs of the students, clients, schools or districts.

5.1.1.2 Demonstrating Knowledge of Best Practice and Models of Delivery: Specialist uses practices and models of delivery that are aligned with local and national standards.

5.1.1.3 Demonstrating Knowledge of Students or Clients: Specialist shows knowledge of the needs and characteristics of the students or clients, including their approaches to leaning, knowledge, skills, and interests.

5.1.1.4 Demonstrating Knowledge of Resources: Specialist selects appropriate resources, either within or outside of the school, that supports the goals of the program.

5.1.2 Professional Practice and Delivery of Services

5.1.2.1 Creating an Environment to Support Student or Client Needs: Specialist creates an environment in which student/client needs are identified and valued. Specialist and student or client interactions show rapport that is grounded in mutual respect.

5.1.2.2 Demonstrating Flexibility and Responsiveness: Specialist has a repertoire of instructional or professional strategies and makes modifications to services based on needs of the students or clients.

5.1.2.3 Communicating Clearly and Accurately: Verbal and written communication is clear and appropriate to students’ or clients’ age, background, needs, or level of understanding.

5.1.2.4 Delivering Services to Students or Clients: Specialist is responsive to the identified needs of the students or clients and meets standards of professional practice. The resources and materials are suitable and match the needs of the students or clients. The delivery of service is coherent.

5.1.3 Professional Collaboration and Consultation

5.1.3.1 Collaborating with Others: Specialist develops partnerships with school staff or external agencies to provide integrated services that meet student or client needs.

5.1.3.2 Serving as a Consultant to the School Community: Specialist shares expertise with school staff to assist them in their work or to respond to school wide issues, problems, or concerns.

5.1.3.3 Providing Resources and Access: Specialist provides school based resources to appropriate staff, students, clients or gives information about the effective use of the resources.

5.1.3.4 Maintaining Standards of Professional Practice: Specialist adheres to his/her professional standards of practice, including issues surrounding confidentiality.

5.1.4 Professional Responsibilities

5.1.4.1 Communicating with Families and School Staff: Specialist shares information in a variety of ways about school programs available to students and families. Specialist develops two way communication with school staff and families about student progress, behavior, personal needs, or concerns.

5.1.4.2 Developing a Record System: Specialist keeps student or client records relevant to their services and shares information with appropriate school personnel.

5.1.4.3 Growing and Developing Professionally: Specialist participates in professional development to increase his/her knowledge of professional practice and delivery of service. Specialist chooses professional development that is aligned with the needs of the school, district, students or clients.

5.1.4.4 Reflecting on Professional Practice: Specialist engages in reflective thinking as an individual, as a team participant, or as a school and community member with the goal of improving professional practice and delivery of service.

5.1.5 Student Improvement

5.1.5.1 Showing Improvement on the DSTP: Specialist uses DSTP data analysis to inform school improvement and program decisions and participates in school improvement work.

5.1.5.2 Using Assessments to Promote Student or Client Improvement: Specialist creates or uses dependable assessments that accurately measure student or client needs, status, or performance and uses the assessment results to design services or programs to promote improvement.

5.2 Each of the five (5) components shall be weighted equally and assigned a rating of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory on the Summative Evaluation.

5.2.1 Planning and Preparation

5.2.1.1 A satisfactory rating for this component shall mean the specialist demonstrates acceptable performance by meeting at least 3 of the following 4 criteria:

5.2.1.1.1 Consistently designs activities and plans for service that support the needs of the students or clients, schools and districts.

5.2.1.1.2 Effectively uses practices and models of delivery that are aligned with local and national standards.

5.2.1.1.3 Shows a deep knowledge of the needs and characteristics of the students or clients and their approaches to learning, knowledge, skills, and interests.

5.2.1.1.4 Selects appropriate resources, either within or outside of the school, that support the goals of the program.

5.2.2 Professional Practice and Delivery of Services

5.2.2.1 A satisfactory rating for this component shall mean the specialist demonstrates acceptable performance by meeting at least 5 of the following 7 criteria:

5.2.2.1.1 Creates an environment in which student or client needs are identified and valued.

5.2.2.1.2 Interacts with students or clients in ways that show rapport and that is grounded in mutual respect.

5.2.2.1.3 Has an extensive repertoire of instructional or professional strategies and makes effective modifications to services based on needs of the students or clients.

5.2.2.1.4 Communicates clearly and appropriately with regard to students’ or clients’ age, background, needs, or level of understanding.

5.2.2.1.5 Provides services that are responsive to the identified needs of the students or clients and meets standards of professional practice.

5.2.2.1.6 Selects resources and materials that are suitable and match the needs of the students or clients.

5.2.2.1.7 Delivers coherent services.

5.2.3 Professional Collaboration and Consultation

5.2.3.1 A satisfactory rating for this component shall mean the specialist demonstrates acceptable performance by meeting at least 4 of the following 5 criteria:

5.2.3.1.1 Develops partnerships with school staff or external agencies to provide integrated services that meet student or client needs.

5.2.3.1.2 Shares expertise with school staff to assist them in their work or responds to school wide issues, problems, or concerns.

5.2.3.1.3 Provides school based resources to appropriate staff/students/clients or gives appropriate information about the effective use of the resources.

5.2.3.1.4 Assists staff, students or clients in gaining access to resources outside of the school community that will meet identified needs.

5.2.3.1.5 Adheres to professional standards of practice, including issues surrounding confidentiality.

5.2.4 Professional Responsibilities

5.2.4.1 A satisfactory rating for this component shall mean the specialist demonstrates acceptable performance by meeting at least 5 of the following 7 criteria:

5.2.4.1.1 Shares information in a variety of ways about school programs available to students and families.

5.2.4.1.2 Develops two way communication with school staff and families about student progress, behavior, personal needs, or concerns.

5.2.4.1.3 Keeps accurate and up to date student or client records relevant to provided services.

5.2.4.1.4 Shares information with appropriate school personnel.

5.2.4.1.5 Participates in professional development to increase knowledge of professional practice and delivery of service.

5.2.4.1.6 Chooses professional development that is aligned with the needs of the school, district, students or clients.

5.2.4.1.7 Engages in reflective thinking as an individual, as a team participant, or as a school or community member with the goal of improving professional practice and delivery of service.

5.2.5 Student Improvement

5.2.5.1 A satisfactory rating shall mean the specialist demonstrates acceptable performance in this component by meeting two (2) out of three (3) of the criteria set forth below:

5.2.5.1.1 The specialist can demonstrate specific contributions to students and staff which contribute to improvement in the school or district’s State Progress Determination.

5.2.5.1.2 The average scale score for the aggregate group of students served by the specialist for the previous two (2) years on the DSTP in reading and math have increased, excluding those students pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1270(c).

5.2.5.1.3 The average scale score for the groups of students disaggregated by race and ethnicity, LEP, Special education and low income have increased for the previous two (2) years on the DSTP in reading and math, provided that there were a minimum of ten (10) students in a subgroup, excluding those students pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1270(c). If there were fewer than ten (10) students in a subgroup, the subgroup shall not be considered for these criteria.

6.1 The Summative Evaluation shall include ratings of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory on each of the five (5) components pursuant to 5.0.

6.2 The Summative Evaluation shall also include one of three overall ratings: “Effective”, “Needs Improvement” or “Ineffective”.

6.2.1 Effective shall mean that the specialist has received Satisfactory Component ratings in at least four (4) out of five (5) components of the appraisal criteria.

6.2.2 Needs Improvement shall mean that the specialist has received at least three (3) Satisfactory Component ratings out of the five (5) components of the appraisal criteria.

6.2.2.1 A specialist who has received an unsatisfactory rating on the student improvement component may have their next Summative Evaluation delayed until the Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP) data is available for the current group of students being served by the specialist.

6.2.3 Ineffective shall mean that the specialist has received three (3) or more Unsatisfactory Component ratings out of the five (5) components of the appraisal criteria.

6.2.3.1 A specialist who has received an unsatisfactory rating on the student improvement component may have their next Summative Evaluation delayed until the Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP) data is available for the current group of students being served by the specialist.

6.2.3.2 If a specialist’s overall Summative Evaluation rating is determined to be “Needs Improvement” for the third consecutive year, the rating shall be re categorized as Ineffective.

9 DE Reg. 528 (10/1/05)

A pattern of ineffective practice shall be based on the most recent appraisal ratings of a specialist using the DPAS II process. Two consecutive ratings of Ineffective shall be deemed as a pattern of ineffective practice. The following appraisal ratings shall be determined to be a pattern of ineffective practice:

8.1 An Improvement Plan shall be developed for a specialist who receives an overall rating of Needs Improvement or Ineffective on the Summative Evaluation or a rating of Unsatisfactory (Unsatisfactory Component Rating) on any component on the Summative Evaluation regardless of the overall rating.

8.1.1 An Improvement Plan shall also be developed if a specialist’s performance during an observation is unsatisfactory. This unsatisfactory performance shall be noted by the evaluator on the Formative Feedback form by typing “PERFORMANCE IS UNSATISFACTORY” and initialing the statement.

8.2 The Improvement Plan shall contain the following:

8.2.1 Identification of the specific deficiencies and recommended area(s) for growth;

8.2.2 Measurable goals for improving the deficiencies to satisfactory levels;

8.2.3 Specific professional development or activities to accomplish the goals;

8.2.4 Specific resources necessary to implement the plan, including but not limited to, opportunities for the specialist to work with curriculum specialist(s), subject area specialist(s), instructional specialist(s) or others with relevant expertise;

8.2.5 Procedures and evidence that must be collected to determine that the goals of the plan were met;

8.2.6 Timeline for the plan, including intermediate check points to determine progress;

8.2.7 Procedures for determining satisfactory improvement.

8.3 The Improvement Plan shall be developed cooperatively by the specialist and evaluator. If the plan cannot be cooperatively developed, the evaluator shall have the authority and responsibility to determine the plan as specified in 8.2 above.

8.4 The specialist shall be held accountable for the implementation and completion of the Improvement Plan.

8.5 Upon completion of the Improvement Plan, the specialist and evaluator shall sign the documentation that determines the satisfactory or unsatisfactory completion of the plan.

9.1 Evaluators shall have completed the DPAS II training as developed by the Department of Education. Evaluators shall receive a certificate of completion which is valid for five (5) years and is renewable upon completion of professional development focused on DPAS II as specified by the Department of Education.

9.2 The training for the certificate of completion shall include techniques for observation and conferencing, content and relationships of frameworks for practice and a thorough review of the Technical Assistance Document. Activities in which participants practice implementation of DPAS II procedures shall be included in the training.

9.3 The credentialing process shall be conducted by the Department of Education.

10.1 A specialist may challenge any rating on the Summative Evaluation, either a Component Rating or the Overall Rating, or a specialist may challenge the conclusions of an observation if the statement “PERFORMANCE IS UNSATISFACTORY” has been included on the Formative Feedback form by submitting additional information specific to the point of disagreement in writing within ten (10) working days of the date of the specialist’s receipt of the Summative Evaluation. Such written response shall become part of the appraisal record and shall be attached to the Summative Evaluation. All challenges together with the record shall be forwarded to the supervisor of the evaluator.

10.1.1 Within ten (10) working days of receiving the written challenge, the supervisor of the evaluator shall review the record which consists of the Preobservation Form(s) the Formative Feedback Form(s), the Summative Evaluation and the written challenge, and issue a written decision.

10.1.2 If the challenge is denied, the decision shall state the reasons for denial.

10.1.3 The decision of the supervisor of the evaluator shall be final.

9 DE Reg. 528 (10/1/05)

Appoquinimink

Caesar Rodney

Colonial

Lake Forest

Laurel

Smyrna

Sussex Technical

MOT Charter

Providence Creek Academy Charter

Sussex Academy of the Arts and Sciences

The Specialist Appraisal Process, Delaware Performance Appraisal System (DPAS II), shall be effective for all public school districts and charter schools beginning with the 2008-2009 school year.

1.1 Specialist shall mean a staff person who delivers professional services to students, teachers, staff or families, licensed or certified by the Department of Education or a professional board regulated by the Division of Professional Regulation. Specialists include, but are not limited to, guidance counselors, instructional support specialists, library media specialists, school psychologists, speech pathologists, school nurses, student support specialists, and therapeutic services specialists.

“Announced Observation” shall consist of the Pre-observation Form and conference with the evaluator, an observation by the evaluator at an agreed upon date and time, using the associated formative conferences and reports. The observation for the specialist may be a collection of data over a specified period of time, up to four (4) weeks, or it may be an observation of sufficient length, at least thirty (30) minutes, to gather appropriate data and assess specialist performance.

“Board” shall mean a local board of education or a charter school board of directors.

“Credentialed Evaluator” shall mean the individual, usually the supervisor of the specialist, who has successfully completed the evaluation training in accordance with 10.0. The Credentialed Evaluator may also be referred to as “Evaluator”.

“DASA” shall mean the Delaware Association of School Administrators.

“DPAS II Guide for Specialists” shall mean the manual that contains the prescribed forms, detailed procedures, specific details about the five (5) components of evaluation and other relevant documents that are used to implement the appraisal system.

“DSEA” shall mean the Delaware State Education Association.

“Experienced Specialist” shall mean a specialist who holds a valid and current Continuing or Advanced License, or Standard or Professional Status Certificate issued prior to August 1, 2003 or holds a valid and current license from his or her respective licensure body.

“Improvement Plan” shall be the plan that a specialist and evaluator mutually develop in accordance with 8.0.

“Novice Specialist” shall mean a specialist who holds a valid and current Initial License or holds a valid and current license from his or her respective licensure body.

“Satisfactory Component Rating” shall mean the specialist’s performance reflects the ability to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of the component.

“Satisfactory Evaluation” shall be equivalent to the overall “Effective” or “Needs Improvement” rating on the Summative Evaluation and shall be used to qualify for a continuing license.

“State Assessment” shall mean the Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP) or its successor.

“Summative Evaluation” shall be the rating process at the conclusion of the appraisal cycle.

“Unannounced Observation” shall consist of an observation by the evaluator at a date and time that has not been previously arranged using the associated formative conferences and reports. The observation shall be of sufficient length, at least thirty (30) minutes, to gather appropriate data and assess specialist performance.

“Unsatisfactory Component Rating” shall mean the specialist’s performance does not reflect the ability to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of the component.

“Unsatisfactory Evaluation” shall be the equivalent to the overall “Ineffective” rating on the Summative Evaluation.

“Working Day” shall mean a day when the employee would normally be working in that district or charter school.

3.1 Experienced specialists who have earned a rating of “Effective” on his or her most recent Summative Evaluation shall receive a minimum of one (1) Announced Observation each year with a Summative Evaluation at least once every two (2) years.

3.2 Experienced specialists who have earned a rating of “Needs Improvement” or “Ineffective” on their most recent Summative Evaluation shall receive a minimum of one (1) Announced Observation and one (1) Unannounced Observation with a Summative Evaluation at the end of the one year period. These specialists shall have an Improvement Plan which may require additional observations and other types of monitoring as outlined in the DPAS II Guide for Specialists.

3.3 Novice specialists shall receive a minimum of one (1) Announced Observation and one (1) Unannounced Observation with a Summative Evaluation at the end of the one year period. Novice specialists who have earned a rating of “Needs Improvement” or “Ineffective” on their most recent Summative Evaluation shall have an Improvement Plan which may require additional observations or other types of monitoring as outlined in the DPAS II Guide for Specialists.

4.1 All districts and charter schools shall use the manual entitled DPAS II Guide for Specialists as developed and as may be amended by the Department of Education in collaboration with DASA and DSEA to implement the appraisal system.

4.2 The manual shall contain, at a minimum, the following:

4.2.1 Specific details about each of the five (5) components listed in 5.1.

4.2.2 All forms or documents needed to complete the requirements of the appraisal process.

4.2.3 Specific procedures to implement the appraisal system.

5.1 The following five (5) components, including the four (4) Appraisal Criteria specified for each, shall be the basis upon which the performance of a specialist shall be evaluated by a credentialed evaluator:

5.1.1 Planning and Preparation

5.1.1.1 Designing Coherent Programs or Services: Specialist designs activities and plans for services that support the needs of the students or clients served.

5.1.1.2 Demonstrating Knowledge of Best Practice and Models of Delivery: Specialist uses practices and models of delivery that are aligned with local and national standards.

5.1.1.3 Demonstrating Knowledge of Students or Clients: Specialist shows knowledge of the needs and characteristics of the students or clients, including their approaches to learning, knowledge, skills, and interests.

5.1.1.4 Demonstrating Knowledge of Resources: Specialist selects appropriate resources, either within or outside of the school, that support the needs of students or clients.

5.1.2 Professional Practice and Delivery of Services

5.1.2.1 Creating an Environment to Support Student or Client Needs: Specialist creates an environment in which student or client needs are identified and valued. Specialist and student or client interactions show rapport that is grounded in mutual respect.

5.1.2.2 Demonstrating Flexibility and Responsiveness: Specialist has a repertoire of instructional or professional strategies and makes modifications to services based on needs of the students or clients.

5.1.2.3 Communicating Clearly and Accurately: Verbal and written communication is clear and appropriate to students’ or clients’ ages, backgrounds, needs, or levels of understanding.

5.1.2.4 Delivering Services to Students or Clients: Specialist is responsive to the identified needs of the students or clients and meets standards of professional practice. The resources and materials are suitable and match the needs of the students or clients. The delivery of service is coherent.

5.1.3 Professional Collaboration and Consultation

5.1.3.1 Collaborating with Others: Specialist develops partnerships with school or district staff or external agencies to provide integrated services that meet student or client needs.

5.1.3.2 Serving as a Consultant to the School Community: Specialist shares expertise with school staff to assist them in their work or to respond to school wide issues, problems, or concerns.

5.1.3.3 Providing Resources and Access: Specialist provides school, district or external based resources to appropriate staff, students, or clients or gives information about the effective use of the resources.

5.1.3.4 Maintaining Standards of Professional Practice: Specialist adheres to his or her professional standards of practice, including issues surrounding confidentiality.

5.1.4 Professional Responsibilities

5.1.4.1 Communicating with Families: Specialist shares information about district or school educational programs and expectations for student or client performance. Specialist develops a mechanism for two way communication with families about student or client progress, behavior, personal needs, or concerns.

5.1.4.2 Developing a Record System: Specialist keeps student or client records relevant to their services and shares information with appropriate school personnel.

5.1.4.3 Growing and Developing Professionally: Specialist chooses and participates in professional development that is aligned with his or her professional needs or aligned with the needs of the school, district or students.

5.1.4.4 Reflecting on Professional Practice: Specialist engages in reflective thinking as an individual, as a team participant, or as a school and community member with the goal of improving professional practice and delivery of service.

5.1.5 Student Improvement

5.1.5.1 Showing Student Improvement: Specialist uses school or district goals from the school or district improvement process to set his or her annual data driven goal(s) for student improvement. Data shall include school or district accountability data, State Assessment data where available, or other assessment data.

5.1.5.2 Using Assessments to Promote Student or Client Improvement: Specialist uses assessments related to his of her field of expertise that accurately measure progress towards the student improvement goal(s).

5.1.5.3 Measuring Student Improvement: Specialist has specific, measurable evidence to show progress towards or attainment of goal(s) for student improvement.

5.1.5.4 Reflecting on Student Improvement: Specialist reflects on goal setting process and outcomes for the purpose of continuous professional improvement and shares student improvement information as appropriate.

6.1 Each of the five (5) components pursuant to 5.0 shall be weighted equally and assigned a rating of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory on the Summative Evaluation.

6.1.1 A satisfactory rating for each component shall mean the specialist demonstrates acceptable performance by meeting at least three (3) of the four (4) Appraisal Criteria specified in each of the five (5) components set forth in 5.1.

6.2 The Summative Evaluation shall also include one of three overall ratings: “Effective”, “Needs Improvement” or “Ineffective”.

6.2.1 “Effective” shall mean that the specialist has received Satisfactory Component ratings in at least four (4) out of five (5) components in accordance with the Appraisal Criteria in 5.0.

6.2.2 “Needs Improvement” shall mean that the specialist has received three (3) Satisfactory Component ratings out of the five (5) components in accordance with the Appraisal Criteria in 5.0.

6.2.3 “Ineffective” shall mean that the specialist has received two (2) or fewer Satisfactory Component ratings out of the five (5) components in accordance with the Appraisal Criteria in 5.0.

6.2.3.1 If a specialist’s overall Summative Evaluation rating is determined to be “Needs Improvement” for the third consecutive year, the rating shall be re-categorized as “Ineffective”.

A pattern of ineffective practice shall be based on the most recent Summative Evaluation ratings of a specialist using the DPAS II process. Two consecutive ratings of “Ineffective” shall be deemed as a pattern of ineffective practice. The following chart shows the consecutive Summative Evaluation ratings that shall be determined to be a pattern of ineffective practice:

8.1 An Improvement Plan shall be developed for a specialist who receives an overall rating of “Needs Improvement” or “Ineffective” on the Summative Evaluation or a rating of Unsatisfactory on any component in 5.0 on the Summative Evaluation regardless of the overall rating.

8.1.1 An Improvement Plan shall also be developed if a specialist’s overall performance during an observation is unsatisfactory. This unsatisfactory performance shall be noted by the evaluator on the Formative Feedback form by noting “PERFORMANCE IS UNSATISFACTORY” and initialing the statement.

8.2 The Improvement Plan shall contain the following:

8.2.1 Identification of the specific deficiencies and recommended area(s) for growth;

8.2.2 Measurable goals for improving the deficiencies to satisfactory levels;

8.2.3 Specific professional development or activities to accomplish the goals;

8.2.4 Specific resources necessary to implement the plan, including but not limited to, opportunities for the specialist to work with curriculum specialist(s), subject area specialist(s), instructional specialist(s) or others with relevant expertise;

8.2.5 Procedures and evidence that must be collected to determine that the goals of the plan were met;

8.2.6 Timeline for the plan, including intermediate check points to determine progress;

8.2.7 Procedures for determining satisfactory improvement.

8.3 The Improvement Plan shall be developed cooperatively by the specialist and evaluator. If the plan cannot be cooperatively developed, the evaluator shall have the authority and responsibility to determine the plan as specified in 8.2 above.

8.4 The specialist shall be held accountable for the implementation and completion of the Improvement Plan.

8.5 Upon completion of the Improvement Plan, the specialist and evaluator shall sign the documentation that determines the satisfactory or unsatisfactory performance of the plan.

9.1 A specialist may challenge any rating on the Summative Evaluation, either a Component Rating or the Overall Rating, or a specialist may challenge the conclusions of an observation if the statement “PERFORMANCE IS UNSATISFACTORY” has been included on the Formative Feedback form. To initiate a challenge, a specialist shall submit additional information specific to the point of disagreement in writing within fifteen (15) working days of the date of the specialist’s receipt of the Summative Evaluation. Such written response shall become part of the appraisal record and shall be attached to the Summative Evaluation. All challenges together with the record shall be forwarded to the supervisor of the evaluator unless the supervisor of the evaluator is also in the same building as the specialist. In this situation, the challenge together with the record shall be forwarded to a designated district or charter school level credentialed evaluator.

9.1.1 Within fifteen (15) working days of receiving the written challenge, the supervisor of the evaluator or the designated district or charter school level credentialed evaluator shall review the record which consists of all documents used in the appraisal process and the written challenge, and issue a written decision.

9.1.2 If the challenge is denied, the decision shall state the reasons for denial.

9.1.3 The decision of the supervisor of the evaluator or the designated district or charter school level credentialed evaluator shall be final.

10.1 Evaluators shall have completed the DPAS II training as developed by the Department of Education. Evaluators shall receive a certificate of completion which is valid for five (5) years and is renewable upon completion of professional development focused on DPAS II as specified by the Department of Education.

10.2 The training for the certificate of completion shall include techniques for observation and conferencing, content and relationships of frameworks for practice and a thorough review of the DPAS II Guide for Specialists. Activities in which participants practice implementation of DPAS II procedures shall be included in the training.

10.3 The credentialing process shall be conducted by the Department of Education.

9 DE Reg. 528 (10/1/05)

11 DE Reg. 132 (08/01/07) (Prop.)