Delaware House Bill 192, introduced in the State Legislature, aims to improve student proficiency on assessments in the state.
The bill, sponsored by Representative Bryan Shupe, with support from Senator Brian Pettyjohn and Representative Kimberly Williams, focuses on addressing single-digit proficiency levels in English language arts and mathematics among public schools in Delaware.
It proposes the development of short-term and long-term plans through collaboration between superintendents, the Department of Education, and school administrations, with the goal of raising student performance levels and overall achievement.
The bill defines “single-digit proficiency” as an overall student body achievement proficiency level of less than 10% in English language arts or mathematics, based on State assessments. It applies to all public schools in Delaware that administer these assessments, excluding special programs.
The legislation requires superintendents or their equivalents to collaborate with the Department of Education and school building-level administration to create a short-term plan aimed at raising performance above single-digit proficiency. Additionally, a long-term plan should be established to further improve student performance on State assessments and increase the school’s overall student body achievement proficiency level.
House Bill 192 exempts schools that have comprehensive support and improvement plans or targeted support and improvement plans under federal law, as well as schools required to create improvement plans under other State or federal laws. The focus is on schools that do not fall under these categories, ensuring resources are directed where they are most needed.
Superintendents would be required to present the short-term and long-term plans for approval at school board meetings by May 1. Annual updates on the progress and implementation of the plans, including any proposed changes, must be provided. The school board will vote on proposed changes to the plans.
To promote transparency and accountability, the bill requires the short-term and long-term plans, once approved, to be made available on the school’s website or webpage, as well as on the Department of Education’s website. Revisions to the plans must be submitted to the Department within 14 days of approval by the school board. The plans may be removed from websites once performance conditions are met.
The Department of Education would be tasked with creating an annual report that includes information on schools with single-digit proficiency and schools with an overall student body achievement proficiency level of less than 20% but greater than single-digit proficiency. The report must be submitted to various stakeholders and legislative committees by August 1 each year.