DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Professional Standards Board

PROPOSED

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

1510 Issuance of Initial License

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 1510 Issuance of Initial License. The regulation applies to the issuance of an Initial License for educators, pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1210. It is necessary to amend this regulation in order to align licensure requirements and timelines to Amended 14 Del.C. §1210 effective July 1, 2014.

Persons wishing to present their views regarding this matter may do so in writing by the close of business on the 31st day of May, 2014 to Donna Lee Mitchell, 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 amended regulation help improve student achievement as measured against state achievement standards? The amended regulation addresses student achievement by establishing standards for the issuance of an initial license to educators who have acquired the prescribed general knowledge, skill and/or education to practice in a particular area, and have met the criteria to receive certification to teach a particular subject or to instruct a particular category of students in a content subject, to help ensure that students are instructed by educators who are highly qualified.

2. Will the amended regulation help ensure that all students receive an equitable education? The amended regulation helps to ensure that all teachers employed to teach students meet high standards and have acquired the prescribed general 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 amended regulation help to ensure that all students' health and safety are adequately protected? The amended regulation addresses educator licensure, helping to ensure quality educators ensure the health and safety of their students.

4. Will the amended regulation help to ensure that all students' legal rights are respected? The amended regulation addresses educator licensure, helping to ensure all students' legal rights are met.

5. Will the amended regulation preserve the necessary authority and flexibility of decision-makers at the local board and school level? The amended regulation will preserve the necessary authority and flexibility of decision makers 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 will not place unnecessary reporting or administrative requirements or mandates upon decision makers at the local board and school levels. Data collection or reporting will come from the Department through systems of data collection already in place for the recruitment, hiring and induction of licensed educators.

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 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 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 1510? 14 Del.C. requires that we promulgate this regulation for educator licensure.

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.

1510 Issuance of Initial License

This regulation shall apply to the issuance of an Initial License for educators, pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1210.

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

"Alternative Routes to Licensure and Certification" means programs approved by the Department of Education pursuant to 14 Del.C. Ch. 12, Subchapter VI, to certify or and license candidates who hold bachelors' degrees appropriate to the instructional field they desire to teach, but who did not complete a regionally accredited educator preparation program.

"Career and Technical Education" is also known as Vocational Education, Vocational Technical Education or Career Technical Education.

"Certification" means holding a Standard Certificate in a particular area, subject, or category.

"Core Content Area" means any subject area tested by the state assessment system, including mathematics, English language arts, science, and social studies.

"Composite Score" means a total of an applicant's scores on all three (3) subtests of PRAXIS I which is equal to, or greater than, the sum of the passing scores on the three subtests. Scores from either the PRAXIS I (PPST) paper and pencil test and/or from the PRAXIS I (CPPST) computerized test may be used when applying the composite score provision. Scores from the PRAXIS I computer based test (CBT) may be used when applying the composite score provision, but may not be used in conjunction with scores from the PRAXIS I (PPST) paper and pencil test and/or with the PRAXIS I (CPPST) computerized test.

"Content-Readiness Exam" means an assessment, either by examination of content knowledge or the approved equivalent that demonstrates an educator's knowledge, skills, and readiness to perform responsibilities of a certification area.

"Date of Hire" means the effective date of employment by a school district, charter school, or other employing authority.

"Department" means the Delaware Department of Education.

"Educator" means a public school employee who holds a license issued under the provisions of 14 Del.C., Ch. 12, and includes teachers, specialists, and administrators, and as otherwise defined by the Standards Board and the State Board, pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1203, but does not include substitute teachers person licensed and certified by the State under 14 Del.C. Ch. 12 to engage in the practice of instruction, administration or other related professional support services in Delaware public schools, including charter schools, pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the Standards Board and approved by the State Board. The term 'educator' does not include substitute teachers.

"Examination of General Knowledge" means a standardized test adopted pursuant to this regulation which measures general knowledge and essential skills in reading, writing, and mathematics or quantitative and verbal skills, including reading and writing.

"Exigent Circumstances" means unanticipated circumstances or circumstances beyond the educator's control, including, but not limited to, expiration of a license during the school year, serious illness of the educator or a member of his/her immediate family, activation to active military duty, and other serious emergencies which necessitate the educator's temporarily leaving active service.

"Immorality" means conduct which is inconsistent with the rules and principles of morality expected of an educator and may reasonably be found to impair an educator's effectiveness by reason of his or her unfitness or otherwise.

“Jurisdiction" means a state, territory or country.

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

"Mentoring" means activities prescribed by the Department and other employing authority in pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Standards Board and approved by the State Board which a holder of an Initial License, Continuing license, or Advanced License must engage during the three year term of the Initial License license.

"Novice Applicant" means an applicant who has not previously held an Initial License in Delaware.

"Performance Assessment" means an assessment in the professional area of licensure and certification that measures the applicant's knowledge, skills, and abilities in the area as adopted in consultation and cooperation with the Department by the Standards Board with the approval of the State Board.

"PRAXIS I or PPST" means a test from Educational Testing Service of general knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics.

"PRAXIS I CBT" means the discontinued PRAXIS I computer based test from Educational Testing Service taken between November 1993 and December 2001, with a possible score range of 300 to 335. Scores from the PRAXIS I CBT test may not be combined with scores from the PRAXIS I paper and pencil test or the PRAXIS I computerized test (CPPST) to derive a composite score.

"PRAXIS I CPPST" means the PRAXIS I computerized test from Educational Testing Service which began in January 2002. This test, which is delivered in a computer format, has a possible score range of 150 to 190. Scores from the CPPST and the PRAXIS I (PPST) paper and pencil test may be combined for a composite scores.

"Skilled and Technical Sciences (STS)" is also known as Trade and Industrial Education, Career and Technical Education, Career Technical Education or Career-Technical Education.

"Specialist" means an educator other than a teacher recognized in this regulation who is licensed and certified by the State pursuant to 14 Del.C. Ch. 12 to engage in other related professional support services.

"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.

"Standards Board" means the Professional Standards Board established pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1201.

"State Board" means the State Board of Education of the State pursuant to 14 Del.C. §104.

"Student Teaching Program" means a traditional student teaching placement within a National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) or National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) or the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) approved program offered by a college or university, or such alternatives as deemed appropriate to the program, such as supervised internships or other field based experience recognized as a required component of the regionally accredited educator preparation program or a student teaching placement within a state-approved educator preparation program where the state approval body employed the appropriate standards.

"Suspension" means the temporary removal of an Initial License for failure to pass an approved examination of general knowledge within the timeframe permitted.

"Trade and Industries Teacher" means a Skilled and Technical Sciences Teacher.

"Trade and Industries" means Skilled and Technical Sciences.

3.1 In accordance with 14 Del.C. §1210, an otherwise qualified applicant subject to the limits of section 10.0 must meet all the requirements in this regulation section for the Department to issue an Initial License. All applicants must apply for at least one Standard Certificate simultaneously with an Initial License. An initial license will not be issued if the applicant does not meet the requirements for certification.

3.2 An Initial License shall be issued to a novice applicant or other applicant who meets all the requirements in this regulation. The Department shall issue an initial license to an applicant who meets the criteria for Meritorious New Teacher candidate designation adopted pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1203.

3.3. The Department shall issue an initial license to an applicant who is currently licensed as an educator in another jurisdiction with less than three years of successful teaching experience.

3.4 Prior to the Department issuing an initial license, all other applicants must meet the following requirements:

3.4.1 Meet the degree requirements in section 5.0.

3.4.2 Achieve a passing score on an approved examination of general knowledge as specified in this regulation.

3.4.3 When applicable and available, achieve a passing score on an approved content readiness exam. A content-readiness exam is applicable and available when adopted by the Standards Board with the approval of the State Board.

3.4.4 When applicable and available, achieve a passing score on an approved performance assessment. A performance assessment is applicable and available when adopted by the Standards Board with approval of the State Board.

3.4.5 Complete a student teaching program or an approved alternative to student teaching.

3.4.6 Meet all other requirements of this regulation.

3.2.13.5 An applicant who previously held a Delaware initial license that has since expired will be treated as a novice new applicant and must meet all the requirements in the regulation.

3.2.2 Notwithstanding the requirements in sections 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0, an Initial License shall also be issued to the following:

3.2.2.1 An applicant currently licensed as an educator in another jurisdiction with less than three years of successful teaching experience that meets all the other requirements herein.

3.2.2.2 An applicant who previously held a valid Delaware Standard or Professional Status Certificate who has been out of the profession for more than three years that meets all the other requirements herein.

3.2.2.3 An applicant who meets the criteria for Meritorious New Teacher candidate designation adopted pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1203.

3.34.1 In addition to an Initial License, applicants must also apply for a Standard Certificate to practice in the particular area, to teach a particular subject, or to instruct a particular category of students in which they wish to be employed, and must verify that they possess the prescribed knowledge, skill or education to practice in that area, subject, or category. (See 14 DE Admin. Code 1505). An initial license will not be issued if the applicant does not meet the requirements for certification.

4.1.1 If an applicant is applying for a Standard Certificate to instruct a particular category of students including but not limited to special education, the applicant must also obtain certification in a particular area or to teach a particular subject. Unless specifically stated in the standard certificate, certification to instruct a particular category of students does not include certification to teach a particular subject and the educator must also obtain certification to teach a particular subject.

3.44.2 An applicant for an Initial License shall must submit the completed application form, official transcripts, and official scores on an approved all required examinations and assessments of general knowledge to the Department.

3.4.14.2.1 Official transcripts shall be forwarded directly from the issuing institution or by the applicant in an unopened, unaltered envelope.

45.1 To qualify for an initial license, an applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited 4 year college or university;

45.2 For the purposes of this regulation, the equivalent education and experience recognized to fulfill the requirement of a bachelor's degree for an initial license and certification as a Skilled and Technical Sciences teacher shall be two (2) years of college or technical training, plus six (6) years of work experience as further defined in Section 9.0.

56.1 To qualify for an initial license, an applicant must successfully complete a student teaching program or an approved alternative to student teaching.

56.2 An If an applicant is applying for an Initial License and certification in an area, or subject or category other than in a Core Content Area, an approved alternative to student teaching is one year of successful teaching experience consisting of a minimum of 91 days of long term teaching experience at one assignment as specified within this regulation.

56.2.1 The one year of teaching experience must have occurred within the last calendar year prior to application.

56.2.2 The teaching experience must consist of a minimum of 91 days of long term teaching experience at one assignment within the same academic year during which regular evaluations were conducted, evidencing at least satisfactory performance.

6.2.3 Experience in the Alternative Routes to Licensure and Certification program or the Special Institute for Teacher Licensure and Certification program may not be used to meet this alternative.

56.3 An approved alternative to student teaching is enrollment in an Alternative Routes to for Teacher Licensure and Certification program.

56.4 An approved alternative to student teaching is completion of the special institute pursuant to 14 Del.C. Ch. 12, Subchapter V.

6.5 If an applicant is applying for an Initial License and certification as a specialist in one of the specialty areas specifically referenced in this subsection, the applicant may, in addition to the other approved alternatives, substitute in lieu of student teaching the designated supervised practical experience in the specialty area as specified in this subsection. Equivalent practical experience in the specialty area may include but is not limited to a supervised internship, a practicum, or clinical experience. In accordance with 14 Del.C. §1210(a)(1)(4), the following specialists are recognized and may substitute for student teaching the practical experience alternatives in their specific specialty area as specified in this section.

6.5.1 School nurse

For a school nurse, the equivalent practical experience for student teaching is three (3) years of supervised clinical nursing experiences as a registered nurse consisting of a minimum of 500 hours.

6.5.2 Elementary School Counselor

For an elementary school counselor, the equivalent practical experience for student teaching is a supervised school counseling internship of one (1) full year (700 hour minimum) in an elementary school setting which is part of a graduate degree program in School Counseling or arranged by the Department of Education.

6.5.3 Secondary School Counselor

For a secondary school counselor, the equivalent practical experience for student teaching is a supervised school counseling internship or practicum of one (1) full year (700 hour minimum) in a secondary school setting which is part of a graduate degree program in School Counseling or arranged by the Department of Education.

6.5.4 School Library Media Specialist

For a school library media specialist, the equivalent practical experience for student teaching is one of the following:

6.5.4.1 Completion of a supervised internship or practicum required in obtaining a Masters or Doctoral degree from a regionally accredited college or university in an American Library Association approved program in School Library Media.

6.5.4.2 Completion of a Department approved School Library Media program and supervised internship or practicum which meets American Library Association Standards.

6.5.5 School Psychologist

For a school psychologist the equivalent practical experience for student teaching is a supervised internship in an institution or agency approved by the Department of Education or the applicant's graduate program.

6.5.5.1 The internship must be a supervised, culminating, comprehensive field experience, completed at or near, the end of formal training, through which school psychology candidates have the opportunity to integrate and apply professional knowledge and skills acquired in prior courses and practica, as well as to acquire new competencies consistent with training program goals.

6.5.5.2 The following recognized internships meet the requirements of this section: internships that are part of an organized graduate level program of study in "School Psychology" offered by a regionally accredited college or university and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) or the American Psychological Association (APA), culminating in a Masters with an additional Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree or a Doctoral degree in School Psychology, and an internship completed to earn a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) Certificate from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

6.5.6 School Social Worker

For a school social worker the equivalent practical experience for student teaching is one of the following:

6.5.6.1 Two years of supervised successful full time work experience as a social worker and a minimum of one year supervised experience in a school setting.

6.5.6.2 One year supervised internship in a school setting consisting of a minimum of 1000 hours.

67.1 To qualify for an initial license, an applicant must receive a passing score on an approved examination of general knowledge, such as PRAXIS I, or such other alternative as may be established by the Standards Board, with the approval of the State Board. In addition to the examinations specifically recognized in this regulation, examinations of general knowledge are also approved when adopted by the Standards Board with the approval of the State Board. In adopting examinations of general knowledge the Standards Board acts in consultation and cooperation with the Department in selecting tests and setting cut scores.

6.27.1.1 An applicant must provide the Department with official test scores for one or more of the required assessments approved examinations of general knowledge of essential skills in the three required components of reading, writing, and mathematics as set forth in the table in section 18.0 19.0.

6.2.17.1.2 Unless otherwise stated in this regulation, an applicant may submit the official test scores of an approved alternative assessment examination of general knowledge to satisfy one or more of the three required essential skills components of reading, writing, and mathematics as set forth in the table in section 18.0 19.0.

6.2.1.17.1.3 Any Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores, Graduate Records Exam (GRE) scores or NTE Communication Skills scores intended to be used as an exemption for the PPST or PRAXIS I, shall be submitted within the same timeline as that required for PRAXIS I and scores must predate the employment application date.

7.1.4 There is no limit on the number of times an individual may take an examination of general knowledge. Once passed, a section need not be taken again.

7.1.5 Passing scores in each area (reading, writing, mathematics) may be attained in any testing format.

7.1.6 Notwithstanding the requirements of this regulation, an applicant applying for an initial license may meet the requirements for passage of examination of general knowledge by submitting test scores that were approved and in effect on the date the test was taken including any permitted composite scores.

7.2 To qualify for an initial license, an applicant must receive a passing score on an approved content-readiness exam when applicable and available as may be established by the Standards Board, with the approval of the State Board. Content-readiness exams are applicable and available when adopted by the Standards Board with the approval of the State Board. In adopting content-readiness exams the Standards Board acts in consultation and cooperation with the Department in selecting tests and setting cut scores.

7.3 To qualify for an initial license, an applicant must receive a passing score on an approved performance assessment applicable and available as may be established by the Standards Board, with the approval of the State Board. Performance assessments are applicable and available when adopted by the Standards Board with the approval of the State Board. In adopting performance assessments the Standards Board acts in consultation and cooperation with the Department in selecting tests and setting cut scores.

7.1 An applicant for an Initial License must pass an approved examination of general knowledge within the period of time from the date of hire to the end of the next, consecutive fiscal year.

7.1.1 Suspension

7.1.1.1 If proof of passage of an approved examination is not provided by the end of the next consecutive fiscal year, the Initial License shall be suspended. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the superintendent of the employing school district or charter school or other employing authority may submit to the Secretary of Education a written request for a one year extension. The request must document the effectiveness of the applicant.

7.1.1.2 Evidence of passage of an approved examination within the time period of the suspension shall result in the reinstatement of the Initial License.

7.1.1.3 If proof of passage of an approved examination is not provided by the end of the next consecutive fiscal year, the Initial License shall be suspended for a maximum of two years.

7.1.1.4 An applicant who does not pass an approved examination during the time period of the suspension, and whose Initial License is expired, must reapply and may be issued an Initial License, valid for three years, if the applicant meets the requirements for initial licensure then in effect.

7.2 Composite Score

7.2.1 An applicant for an Initial License who does not achieve a passing score on PRAXIS I, but whose score on PRAXIS I is within 2 points of the passing score on the reading, writing, or mathematics section of PRAXIS I may use a composite score to meet the requirements of passage.

7.2.1.1 Scores from either the paper and pencil PRAXIS I (PPST) test or from the computerized PRAXIS I (CPPST) test, begun in January, 2002, both of which have a possible score range of 159 to 190, may be used when applying the composite score provision. Scores from the PRAXIS I computer based test (CBT), taken between November, 1993 and December 31, 2001 may be used when applying the composite score provision, but may not be used in conjunction with the paper and pencil PRAXIS I test or with the computerized PRAXIS I (CPPST) test.

7.2.2 Notwithstanding the use of a composite score, an applicant who seeks to teach in the secondary content area of mathematics must meet the current state passing score for the PRAXIS I mathematics test. An applicant who seeks to teach in the secondary content area of English language arts must meet the current state passing score for the PRAXIS I reading and writing tests.

7.3 An applicant in a Skilled and Technical Sciences specific career area must pass an approved test within six (6) years of the date of employment or before the expiration of the Initial License, whichever is later.

7.4 There is no limit on the number of times an individual may take the PPST or PRAXIS I. Once passed, a section need not be taken again.

7.5 Passing scores in each area (reading, writing, mathematics) may be attained in any testing format.

8.1 Test scores or Assessments shall be official and sent directly from Educational Testing Service or other the test vendor or Assessment provider to the Department.

8.2 Unopened, unaltered envelopes containing PPST or PRAXIS I scores, or scores of acceptable alternatives, sent to the individual may be accepted as official. The Department shall determine whether the scores as presented are acceptable.

8.3 Direct verification from another State Department of Education shall or in a similar manner may in the discretion of the Department if determined reliable be considered as official. An original of the grade form shall A copy of the results or score must be forwarded directly from the other State Department or entity to the Department. This method will be accepted only when official test scores from Educational Testing Service are not available.

9.1 Notwithstanding any other requirements within this regulation, an applicant applying for an initial license and certification in a Skilled and Technical Sciences specific career area may be issued an initial license for a period of up to 6 years to complete specified college course work or their equivalent in professional development or technical training required for certification. Applicants must pass an approved examination of general knowledge within six (6) years of the date of employment or before the expiration of the Initial License, whichever is later. A bachelor's degree equivalent for a Skilled and Technical Sciences teacher shall be two (2) years of college or technical training, plus six (6) years of work experience. The requirement for two (2) years of college or technical training may be satisfied through the satisfactory completion of any one of the following options in the specific career area to be taught:

9.1.1 An associate's degree with a major in the specific career area; or

9.1.2 Two years of college majoring in the specific career area with at least 50% of the major courses required for a bachelor's degree satisfactorily completed; or

9.1.3 A state issued certificate indicating completion of apprenticeship hours and apprentice related training (e.g. journey papers) in the specific career area; or

9.1.4 Completion of four (4) years of sequential Delaware Trade Extension courses in the specific career area; or

9.1.5 Completion of four (4) years of National Center for Construction Education and Research's Contren documented training in the specific career area; or

9.1.6 A 70% or above score on both the written and performance elements of a Delaware Apprentice-related Education Provider's National Center for Construction Education and Research's Contren-derived full Apprentice Equivalency test-out covering all Apprentice-related Education years in the specific career area; or

9.1.7 Passage of the State of Delaware Licensing test in the specific career area, offered through the Division of Professional Regulation; or

9.1.8 576 hours of military training in the specific career area; or

9.1.9 576 hours postsecondary trade school training in the specific career area; or

9.1.10 A 70% or above score on both the written and performance teacher tests for the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute in the specific career area; or

9.1.11 An industry recognized certification of technical competence or journeyperson status in the specific career area; or

9.1.12 DOE approved equivalents of any one of the above including but not limited to equivalents from any combination of the above options.

The Department shall not act on an application for licensure if the applicant is under official investigation by any state or local authority with the power to issue educator licenses or certifications, where the alleged conduct involves allegations of immorality, misconduct in office, incompetence, willful neglect of duty, disloyalty or falsification of credentials, until the applicant provides evidence of the investigation's resolution.

11.1 An Initial License is valid for three (3) years, unless revoked, and may not be renewed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Initial License issued to an applicant in a Skilled and Technical Sciences specific career area is valid for up to six (6) years to provide time for completion of specified college level course work required for certification and required examinations.

11.2 An Initial License issued to an applicant who is not currently employed by a school district, charter school, or other employing authority shall be inactive until such time as an applicant is employed by a public school district or charter school. Once employed, the Initial License shall be in effect for three (3) years from the date of hire until the last day of the month of issuance three (3) years later, except in the case of the Skilled and Technical Sciences specific career areas which shall expire on the last day of the month of issuance six (6) years later.

11.3 During the term of the Initial License, license holders are required to participate in a comprehensive educator induction program including mentoring and other prescribed professional development activities offered by the Department and by the school district or charter school or other employing authority in which they are employed.

Applicants graduating from foreign institutions shall provide an analysis of the degree equivalency in a format approved by the Department, along with all other required application materials, which shall be reviewed by the Department.

13.1 The Department may extend an Initial License for a period not to exceed one (1) year, exigent circumstances warranting the necessity of such extension.

13.1.1 A license holder whose license expires during the school year may have the Initial License extended until the last day of the fiscal year upon a request from the district superintendent, charter school administrator, or other employing authority. This extension shall be considered an exigent circumstance and shall not exceed one (1) year in length.

14.1 An educator may take a leave of absence of up to three (3) years with no effect upon the validity or expiration of the Initial License.

14.2 Upon application by the educator to the Department through the defined process the educator's Initial License may be extended for up to three (3) years for the time period of an authorized leave of absence.

14.3 The Department may require that the educator use a Department approved form.

14.4 The Department may require that the educator provide documentation sufficient to establish the authorized leave of absence.

14.5 An educator's Initial License shall not be automatically extended under this section and the burden is on the educator to make proper application to the Department and to establish the authorized leave of absence.

An applicant shall disclose his or her criminal conviction history upon application for an Initial License. Failure to disclose a criminal conviction history is grounds for denial or revocation of an Initial License as specified in 14 Del.C. §1219.

This regulation shall apply to all requests for issuance of an Initial License, except as specifically addressed herein.

The Secretary of Education may, at the request of the superintendent of a local school district or charter school administrator or other employing authority, review licensure credentials on an individual basis and grant a license to an applicant who otherwise does not meet the requirements for Initial License, but whose effectiveness is documented by the local school district, charter school, or other employing authority.

The Department shall provide quarterly reports to the Professional Standards Board regarding implementation of this regulation. The Department shall also provide upon request specific data reports regarding licensure, certification, and professional development.