DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Professional Standards Board

Statutory Authority: 14 Delaware Code, Section 1205(b) (14 Del.C. §1205(b))

14 DE Admin. Code 1580

PROPOSED

Educational Impact Analysis Pursuant To 14 Del.C. Section 122(D)

1580 School Library Media Specialist

A. Type of Regulatory Action Requested

Amendment to Existing Regulation

B. Synopsis of Subject Matter of Regulation

The Professional Standards Board, acting in cooperation and collaboration with the Department of Education, seeks the consent of the State Board of Education to amend regulation 14 DE Admin. Code 1580 School Library Media Specialist. The regulation concerns the requirements for certification of educational personnel, pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1220(a). It is appropriate to amend this regulation as it has been 5 years since the last review of this regulation and some clarification was warranted. This regulation sets forth the requirements for a School Library Media Specialist.

Persons wishing to present their views regarding this matter may do so in writing by the close of business on Wednesday February 4, 2009 to Mr. Charlie Michels, Executive Director, Delaware Professional Standards Board, The Townsend Building, 401 Federal Street, Dover, Delaware 19901. Copies of this regulation are available from the above address or may be viewed at the Professional Standards Board Business Office.

C. Impact Criteria

1. Will the adopted regulation help improve student achievement as measured against state achievement standards? The adopted regulation addresses student achievement by establishing standards for the issuance of a standard certificate to educators who have acquired the prescribed knowledge, skill and/or education to practice in a particular area, to teach a particular subject or to instruct a particular category of students to help ensure that students are instructed by educators who are highly qualified.

2. Will the adopted regulation help ensure that all students receive an equitable education? The adopted regulation helps to ensure that all teachers employed to teach students meet high standards and have acquired the prescribed knowledge, skill and/or education to practice in a particular area, to teach a particular subject or to instruct a particular category of students.

3. Will the adopted regulation help to ensure that all students' health and safety are adequately protected? The adopted regulation addresses educator certification, not students’ health and safety.

4. Will the adopted regulation help to ensure that all students' legal rights are respected? The adopted regulation addresses educator certification, not students’ legal rights.

5. Will the adopted regulation preserve the necessary authority and flexibility of decision-makers at the local board and school level? The adopted regulation will preserve the necessary authority and flexibility of decision makers at the local board and school level.

6. Will the adopted regulation place unnecessary reporting or administrative requirements or mandates upon decision makers at the local board and school levels? The adopted regulation will not place unnecessary reporting or administrative requirements or mandates upon decision makers at the local board and school levels.

7. Will 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 to be regulated rests with the Professional Standards Board, in collaboration with the Department of Education, and with the consent of the State Board of Education.

8. Will the adopted 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 adopted regulation will 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.

9. Is there a less burdensome method for addressing the purpose of the amended regulation? 14 Del.C. requires that we promulgate this regulation.

10. What is the cost to the state and to the local school boards of compliance with the adopted regulation? There is no additional cost to local school boards for compliance with the regulation.

1580 School Library Media Specialist

1.0 Content

This regulation shall apply to the requirements for a Standard Certificate, pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1220(a), for Library Media Specialist.

2.0 Definitions

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

"Department" means the Delaware Department of Education.

"License" means a credential which authorizes the holder to engage in the practice for which the license is issued.

"Standard Certificate" means a credential issued to certify that an educator has the prescribed knowledge, skill or education to practice in a particular area, teach a particular subject, or teach a category of students.

3.0 Standard Certificate

In accordance with 14 Del.C. §1220(a), the Department shall issue a Standard Certificate as a Library Media Specialist to an applicant who holds a valid Delaware Initial, Continuing, or Advanced License; or Standard or Professional Status Certificate issued by the Department prior to August 31, 2003, and who meets the following requirements:

3.1 Bachelor's degree in any content area from a regionally accredited college or university; and,

3.2 Completion of a Master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in an American Library Association (ALA) approved program in School Library Media; or,

3.3 Master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in any other content area, including a general Media Library Specialist (MLS) degree, and completion of a program in School Library Media approved by the Department pursuant to 14 DE Admin. Code 290 which meets ALA Standards.

7 DE Reg. 632 (11/1/03)

Renumbered effective 6/1/07 - see Conversion Table

1.0 Content

1.1 This regulation shall apply to the issuance of a Standard Certificate, pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1220(a), for School Library Media Specialist. This certification is required for grades K to 12.

1.2 Except as otherwise provided, the requirements set forth in 14 DE Admin. Code 1505 Standard Certificate, including any subsequent amendment or revision thereto, are incorporated herein by reference.

2.0 Definitions

2.1 The definitions set forth in 14 DE Admin. Code 1505 Standard Certificate, including any subsequent amendment or revision thereto, are incorporated herein by reference.

3.0 Standard Certificate

3.1 In accordance with 14 Del.C. §1220(a), the Department shall issue a Standard Certificate as a School Library Media Specialist to an educator who has met the following:

3.1.1 Holds a valid Delaware Initial, Continuing, or Advanced License or Standard or Professional Status Certificate issued by the Department prior to August 31, 2003; and,

3.1.2 Has met the requirements as set forth in 14 DE Admin. Code 1505 Standard Certificate, including any subsequent amendment or revision thereto; and

3.1.3 Has satisfied the additional requirements in this regulation.

4.0 Additional Requirements

An educator shall also meet the following:

4.1 Has satisfied at least one of the following additional requirements:

4.1.1 Holds a Masters or Doctoral degree from a regionally accredited college or university in an American Library Association approved program in School Library Media; or

4.1.2 Holds a Masters or Doctoral degree from a regionally accredited college or university in any area; and

4.1.2.1 Has completed a Department approved School Library Media program which meets American Library Association Standards.

7 DE Reg. 632 (11/1/03)

12 DE Reg. 901 (01/01/09) (Prop.)

Renumbered effective 6/1/07 - see Conversion Table