DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Office of the Secretary

PROPOSED

220 Diversity

A. Type of Regulatory Action Required

Amendment to Existing Regulation

B. Synopsis of Subject Matter of the Regulation

The Secretary of Education intends to amend 14 DE Admin. Code 220 Diversity to add a definition and to clarify districts reflect practices related to ensuring the school community addresses diversity through its Success Plans.

Persons wishing to present their views regarding this matter may do so in writing by the close of business on or before February 5, 2009 to Susan K. Haberstroh, Education Associate, Regulation Review, Department of Education, at 401 Federal Street, Suite 2, Dover, Delaware 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? The amended regulation continues to ensure schools address diversity through practice and information among staff and students that should result in continued improved student achievement.

2. Will the amended regulation help ensure that all students receive an equitable education? The amended regulation continues to ensure schools address diversity through practice and information among staff and students that to ensure all students receive an equitable education.

3. Will the amended regulation help to ensure that all students' health and safety are adequately protected? The amended regulation continues to ensure schools address diversity through practice and information among staff and students to ensure all students health and safety are adequately protected.

4. Will the amended regulation help to ensure that all students' legal rights are respected? The amended regulation continues to ensure schools address diversity through practice and information among staff and students to ensure all students legal rights are respected.

5. Will the amended regulation preserve the necessary authority and flexibility of decision making at the local board and school level? The amended regulation preserves the necessary authority and flexibility of decision making at the local 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? The amended regulation does not place any unnecessary reporting or administrative requirements or mandates upon decision makers at the local board and 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 authority and accountability for addressing the subject of diversity continues to be in the same entity.

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? The amended regulation is consistent with other state educational policies.

9. Is there a less burdensome method for addressing the purpose of the regulation? There is not a less burdensome method for addressing the purpose of this regulation.

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 State or the local school board for compliance with this regulation.

220 Diversity

The following words and terms, when used in this regulation, shall have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Diversity” in a school community means it A school community that values diversity is one which embraces and builds on the strengths of individual and group differences, and by so doing enriches the educational program for all students. A The curriculum that is inclusive of many racial, ethnic, regional, religious, linguistic, and socioeconomic groups, and which gives visibility to both women and men, to people of all ages, and to persons with disabilities, affirms the richness of our pluralistic society. The Secretary of Education believes that students achieve their best in classrooms where diversity is commonplace.

"Success Plan" means the web-based document submitted to the Department of Education as part of the request for state and federal funds that provides the mission, goals, objectives, measures, and strategies of the district or school.

2.1 Infuse information on diverse cultural groups throughout the K to 12 curriculum in order to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate productively in a culturally diverse society.

2.2 Provide professional development to equip all teachers with various instructional techniques and best practices.

2.3 Describe in district strategic success plans and school success plans how disparities and gaps in student achievement associated with the student’s gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, limited English proficiency, or disability will be identified and eliminated.

2.4 Provide student counseling, assessment, discipline and placement that is sensitive to the needs of diverse populations.

2.5 Provide appropriate instruction to limited English proficient students so that they will have success in a mainstream classroom where the medium of instruction is English.

2.6 Describe in the district strategic success plan a strategy to attract and retain a highly skilled and committed faculty and staff reflective of the diversity in the school community.

2.7 Enact measures to avoid and address inequitable and prejudicial behaviors among employees and students.

2.8 Describe in the school success plans specific ways principals and building staff create an atmosphere which recognizes, accepts and values diversity as a positive, integral resource of a democratic society.