CHAPTER 236
FORMERLY
HOUSE BILL NO. 424
AN ACT SPECIFYING CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS PREVIOUSLY APPROPRIATED FOR THE EXPENSE OF STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1986.
WHEREAS, it is the goal of the State of Delaware to provide for a professional development system applicable to teachers and specialists in the public elementary and secondary schools of this State. The system is intended:
(a) to enhance the ability of the State in concert with local school districts, to attract and retain excellent teachers and specialists; and
(b) to encourage excellent teaching by continuing development of the Department of Public Instruction's "Delaware Instructional Improvement Model", a system of appraisal procedures that fairly and equitably assess the performance of teachers and specialists, recognize good performance, identify needed improvement in performance, and provide an opportunity for staff development to further strengthen skills and to remediate weaknesses; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Instruction continues to develop the "Delaware Instructional Model", a program for the development of appraisal instruments, procedures, materials and training for the evaluation of teachers and specialists. It is anticipated that the model will address the following issues:
(a) Core criteria and standards to be used in the appraisals; and
(b) Uniform application of the appraisal system in school districts throughout the State; and
(c) Field testing of the appraisal system prior to implementation on a statewide basis; and
(d) Training for all personnel assigned to or responsible for the appraisal system prior to their commencing with appraisal duties; and
(e) Training for all personnel who will be evaluated concerning the appraisal system; and
WHEREAS, the Christina School District in the State of Delaware Is in the process of developing and piloting an incentive program to reward teachers and specialists exhibiting competency. Those procedures developed by the Department of Public Instruction in the Delaware Instructional improvement Model will be used by that school district as the primary method of teacher and specialist performance appraisals. It is anticipated that the Pilot Teacher Incentive Program shall continue through June 30, 1989. As part of the program, the local school district has been requested to report on the progress of the incentive program to the State Board of Education on June 30 of each of the three years of the program's duration.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:
Section L. The proviskxts of Volume 65, Chapter 87, Laws of Delaware, to the contrary notwithstanding, of the amount appropriated to the State Board of Education (95- 01- 005) entitled "Educational Contingency - School District Appropriations all other costs - General Contingency', funds in an amount not to exceed the sum of $50,000.00 shall be used by the Board to reimburse the Christina School District for costs and expenses incurred in connection with the District's administration of the Pilot Teacher Incentive Program. The disbursement of these funds is subject to approval by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Budget Director and the Controller General. These funds shall be a continuing appropriation, and shall not be subject to reversion until June 30, 1987.
Section 2. This bill shall become effective upon its enactment into law.
Approved February 4, 1986.