14 Del. Admin. Code § 291-6.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 5, November 1, 2024

Section 291-6.0 - ARTC Program Approval Process

6.1 Providers must apply for new program approval to the Administrator in a format and timeline determined by the Department as provided in subsections 6.1.1 through 6.1.4.

6.1.1 If the program is in a content area and seeks SPA recognition, the program shall submit an application to the Administrator and documentation of seeking SPA recognition.

6.1.2 If the program is in a content area and seeks Department approval, the program shall notify the Department of its intent to initiate the review process at least 6 months before approval is required. In addition, at least 90 days before approval is required the provider shall submit the application to the Administrator. The application shall include all of the information provided in subsections 6.1.2.1 through 6.1.2.9.

6.1.2.1 A description of the program for which approval is sought and other administrative information, including the plan for implementing Department-mandated program components as provided in Section 4.0. The description shall include a detailed description and outline of the proposed program content and coursework and of the alignment with content standards.

6.1.2.2 Identification of the certifications the program will address.

6.1.2.3 Justification for the new program.

6.1.2.4 A needs assessment demonstrating the demand for such program graduates in the employment market and demand by potential participant.

6.1.2.5 The curriculum for the program, including finalized syllabi for any new courses.

6.1.2.6 Descriptions of the expected outcomes of the programs and of how those outcomes will be assessed.

6.1.2.7 Vitae for all faculty delivering instruction in or administering the program.

6.1.2.8 Descriptions of materials, media and resources available for the program, and how technology is integrated into the curriculum or program.

6.1.2.9 A description of how the program is aligned to applicable content and pedagogy standards.

6.1.3 If the program is in a content area and seeks CAEP Evidence Review of Standard 1 shall submit an application to the Administrator and documentation of the CAEP Evidence Review of Standard 1.

6.1.4 If the program is not in a content area, is for teachers of students with disabilities, or is for leaders, the program shall notify the Department of its intent to initiate the review process at least 6 months before approval is required. In addition, at least 90 days before approval is required the provider shall submit the application to the Administrator. The application shall include all of the information provided in subsections 6.1.4.1 through 6.1.4.9.

6.1.4.1 A description of the program for which approval is sought and other administrative information, including the plan for implementing Department-mandated program components as provided in Section 4.0. The description shall include a detailed description and outline of the proposed program content and coursework and of the alignment with content standards.

6.1.4.2 Identification of the certifications the program will address.

6.1.4.3 Justification for the new program.

6.1.4.4 A needs assessment demonstrating the demand for such program graduates in the employment market and demand by potential participants.

6.1.4.5 The curriculum for the program, including finalized syllabi for any new courses.

6.1.4.6 Descriptions of the expected outcomes of the programs and of how those outcomes will be assessed.

6.1.4.7 Vitae for all faculty delivering instruction in or administering the program.

6.1.4.8 Descriptions of materials, media and resources available for the program, and how technology is integrated into the curriculum or program.

6.1.4.9 A description of how the program is aligned to applicable content and pedagogy standards.

6.2 Review of applications submitted pursuant to subsections 6.1.1 or 6.1.4.

6.2.1 Upon completion of the application review, the Department will appoint individuals to review the application as a team and the review team shall complete a report on the proposed program.

6.2.1.1 Applications shall be reviewed by a Department review team, which shall consist of at least 2 members including the Administrator or the Administrator's designee, 1 of whom shall be the chair. The provider shall be notified as to the members chosen for the review.

6.2.1.2 Experts in the content of the proposed program shall be included on the review team. The Department may select members of the review team from outside the Department if a content expert in the field of the proposed program is not available within the Department.

6.2.1.3 If those initially selected are unable to serve, substitute members may be selected and the provider shall be notified of the substitute members.

6.2.1.4 Prior to participating in the review, review team members shall receive training by the Department in the procedure for review of program proposals and timelines for proposal review.

6.2.2 The review team's report will contain the Department's determination of approval or disapproval of the proposed program.

6.2.3 The Administrator shall provide a copy of the report to the provider. Providers shall have 30 calendar days after Departmental provision of the report to submit a response in writing pointing out any perceived factual errors and providing any available documentation to support those claims.

6.2.4 The Administrator shall review a provider's response and may amend the report.

6.3 Review of applications and documentation submitted pursuant to subsections 6.1.1 or 6.1.3. The Department will review submitted applications and documents and provide approval of the program or rejection of the proposal, notifying representatives of the provider.

6.4 Programs that have been approved under subsections 6.2 or 6.3 will be given provisional approval for 1 year if the application meets standards set forth in subsections 6.4.1 through 6.4.9. For the purpose of this regulation, provisional approval means the provider is authorized to proceed with the program identified in the application, and to admit the first cohort of participants to the program.

6.4.1 The program shall have a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with the standards and requirements set forth by the State for educator preparation. The curriculum content shall cover essential areas, such as pedagogy, subject matter knowledge, instructional strategies, assessment techniques, and classroom management.

6.4.2 The program's instructors shall possess appropriate qualifications and expertise in their respective fields. They shall demonstrate proficiency in teaching methodologies and instructional practices.

6.4.3 The program shall include practical, hands-on field experiences in educational settings, such as student teaching, practicum, or internship placements. The program shall provide opportunities for students to engage in meaningful and supervised clinical experiences in authentic settings. Field experiences shall provide opportunities for candidates to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world teaching environments.

6.4.4 The program shall provide comprehensive preparation for the responsibilities and challenges of teaching in the relevant subject area and grade level.

6.4.5 The program shall demonstrate a commitment to ongoing evaluation and improvement, utilizing data-driven processes to assess student outcomes, program effectiveness, and overall quality.

6.4.6 The program shall maintain transparency in its operations, providing clear information to stakeholders regarding program requirements, expectations, policies, and outcomes.

6.4.7 The program shall uphold ethical standards in all aspects of its operation, including recruitment, admissions, instruction, assessment, and support services.

6.4.8 The program shall maintain financial stability to ensure its long-term viability and ability to fulfill its commitments to students, faculty, and other stakeholders.

6.4.9 The program shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and statutes governing educator preparation, including those outlined in 14 Del.C. §§ 185 - 194.

6.5 Upon receipt and review of the first annual report aligned with the requirements stated in Sections 4.0 and 8.0, the Department may extend provisional approval for up to 4 additional years. Programs on provisional approval shall be required to comply with all data reporting requirements in Section 8.0 and any additional data as required by the Department.

6.6 Full (non-provisional) program approval may be granted after the submission and approval of data and reporting as provided in Section 8.0 for the first cohort to exit the program.

14 Del. Admin. Code § 291-6.0

28 DE Reg. 114 (8/1/2024) (Final)