CHAPTER 42
FORMERLY
HOUSE SUBSTITUTE NO. 1 FOR
HOUSE BILL NO. 47
AS AMENDED BY
HOUSE AMENDMENT NOS. 2 & 3
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CURRICULUM STANDARDS AND THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE :
WHEREAS, Delaware has recognized the importance of uniform statewide academic standards in Delaware that provide both high and consistent expectations for all public school students in the State; and
WHEREAS, the beneficial effects of uniform high standards can only be realized if each district aligns its curriculum with those standards; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Education should be authorized to develop a curriculum that is aligned with Delaware’s academic standards to be used in two ways: first, as a model for those districts and schools wanting to compare their respective curricula with such a model curriculum; and second, as a curriculum to be implemented in a district or school after the Department has concluded, after sufficient notice to such school or district, that its local curriculum continues to be out of alignment with Delaware’s academic standards; and
WHEREAS, while the State has concluded that uniform standards are beneficial, those standards may be met by a variety of curricula and the model curriculum should be imposed only where a district or school’s curriculum is not aligned with Delaware’s academic standards. Absent a determination of non-alignment, Delaware’s public schools should remain free to consider innovative teaching methods so that Delaware’s public school children can continue to benefit from a variety of educational offerings, each of which is designed to enable students to meet or exceed Delaware’s academic standards.
NOW THEREFORE:
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:
Section 1. Amend § 122(b), Title 14 of the Delaware Code by redesignating paragraphs (6) through (20) thereof as paragraphs (7) through (21) respectively and by inserting therein a new paragraph (6) to read as follows:
“(6) Establishing recommended statewide uniform curricula for all public schools of the State. Teachers shall have a role in the curriculum alignment process. Districts shall provide evidence to the Department of Education of curriculum alignment within twelve (12) months of the completion of the recommended curricula in each content area.”.