DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Office of the Secretary

PROPOSED

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

931 Purple Star Schools

A. TYPE OF REGULATORY ACTION REQUIRED

New Regulation

B. SYNOPSIS OF SUBJECT MATTER OF THE REGULATION

Pursuant to 14 Del C. §135, the Secretary of Education intends to create 14 DE Admin. Code 931 Purple Star Schools. This regulation is being created to comply with Senate Bill 117 as amended by Senate Amendment No. 1 of the 151st General Assembly which requires the Delaware Department of Education to promulgate regulations outlining the criteria for district and charter schools to be designated a Purple Star School.

Persons wishing to present their views regarding this matter may do so in writing by the close of business on or before December 1, 2021 to Department of Education, Office of the Secretary, Attn: Regulation Review, 401 Federal Street, Suite 2, Dover, Delaware 19901 or email to DOEregulations.comment@doe.k12.de.us. A copy of this regulation may be viewed online at the Registrar of Regulation’s website, http://regulations.delaware.gov/services/current_issue.shtml, or obtained at the Department of Education, located at the address listed above.

C. IMPACT CRITERIA

1. Will the new regulation help improve student achievement as measured against state achievement standards? The new regulation does not specifically address the improvement of student achievement as measured against state achievement standards.

2. Will the new regulation help ensure that all students receive an equitable education? The new regulation will help ensure all students receive an equitable education. The new regulation focuses on the transition of military-connected youth.

3. Will the new regulation help to ensure that all students’ health and safety are adequately protected? The new regulation will help ensure all students’ health and safety are adequately protected.

4. Will the new regulation help to ensure that all students’ legal rights are respected? The new regulation continues to help ensure that all students’ legal rights are respected.

5. Will the new regulation preserve the necessary authority and flexibility of decision making at the local board and school level? The new regulation does not change the decision making at the local board and school level.

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

7. Will the decision making authority and accountability for addressing the subject to be regulated be placed in the same entity? The new regulation does not change the decision making authority and accountability for addressing the subject to be regulated.

8. Will the new 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 new regulation is consistent with and not an impediment to the implementation of other state educational policies.

9. Is there a less burdensome method for addressing the purpose of the regulation? There is no less burdensome method for addressing the purpose of the new regulation.

10. What is the cost to the State and to the local school boards of compliance with the regulation? There are no material costs to implementing this new regulation.

931 Purple Star Schools

The purpose of this regulation is to outline criteria for district and charter schools to be designated a Purple Star School under 14 Del.C. §135 Purple Star Schools.

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

“Purple Star School” means a recognition designed to encourage the successful transition of military-connected youth, which may include the development of programs that highlight the importance of military service.

“Purple Star School Designation Application” means the form and process developed by the Department of Education, which may be amended from time to time and shall be maintained on the Department’s website.

3.1 In order to be designated a Purple Star School, any district or charter school shall qualify by having:

3.1.1 A designated staff member as a military liaison, whose duties include:

3.1.1.1 Identifying military-connected youth enrolled at the school;

3.1.1.2 Serving as the point of contact between the school and military-connected youth and their families;

3.1.1.3 Determining appropriate school services available to military-connected youth;

3.1.1.4 Assisting in coordinating school programs relevant to military-connected youth;

3.1.1.5 Participating in training specific to supporting the various challenges that face military families; and

3.1.1.6 Conducting school-wide professional development that informs staff of the unique needs of military-connected students and available resources.

3.1.2 An easily-accessible, maintained webpage on the school’s website that includes resources for military-connected youth and their families, including information regarding:

3.1.2.1 Relocating, enrollment, registration, and transferring records to the school.

3.1.2.2 Preparing for a move from the current school.

3.1.2.3 Academic planning information including course sequences, advanced classes, application deadlines, graduation requirements, etc.

3.1.2.4 The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children (MIC3).

3.1.2.5 Special education services, including related parental rights.

3.1.2.6 Counseling and other support services available for military-connected youth enrolled at the school.

3.1.3 A well-maintained transition program led by youth, where appropriate, that assists military-connected youth in transitioning into the school.

3.1.4 An assigned central office staff member to be the contact for the school-based liaison and military families, if a district.

3.1.5 A designated member of the school leadership team to be the contact for the school-based liaison and military families, if a charter school.

3.1.6 Offer at least one (1) of the following initiatives:

3.1.6.1 A resolution showing support for military-connected youth and their families;

3.1.6.2 Recognition of the Month of the Military Child or Military Family Month with relevant events hosted by the school;

3.1.6.3 A partnership with a local military installation that provides opportunities for active duty military members to volunteer at the school, speak at an assembly, or host a field trip;

3.1.6.4 A military recognition event designed to demonstrate a military-friendly culture across the school community;

3.1.6.5 A public military display in the school (such as a memorial, tribute wall, bulletin board, or Purple Star room);

3.1.6.6 Military family committees or counseling groups to offer support; or

3.1.6.7 Fundraise to support military veterans and active-duty members.

3.1.7 A complete application submitted between November 1st and February 1st of the school year. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

4.1 The Department shall identify a panel of stakeholders to review the applications and determine eligibility for the designation based on the criteria in Section 3.0.

4.2 Designation announcements shall be made by the Department in April of each year.

4.3 The Purple Star School Designation shall be valid for a period of three (3) years. The first year is the year in which the school is awarded. The school will not have to reapply for the designation for the following two (2) years.