The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) regularly shares announcements and notices regarding Delaware education. This announcements page provides the latest news and developments related to internal DDOE processes and offerings. Additionally, news and updates are also available on our social media pages, news pages, Secretary Updates page and in our newsletters.
Public Notice and Comment Period
New Waiver Request- Pursuant to Section 8401 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965
November 27, 2024
The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) is requesting the U.S. Department of Education grant a waiver to extend the period of availability of federal fiscal year 2022 funding for the Title I, Part D, Subpart 1 of the ESEA, which is for Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At Risk. If the waiver is approved, the FFY 2022 funding for the grant program will be extended through September 30, 2025 and it would allow the DDOE to continue its work in serving at-risk and underserved populations of youth.
As required under the ESEA section 8401(b)(3)(A), prior to submitting a waiver request for any program authorized under ESEA, the State must provide the public and local education agencies (LEAs) with notice and a reasonable opportunity to comment and provide input on a proposed waiver request. A public comment period will be open from November 27, 2024 until December 4, 2024. Please submit comments by December 4, 2024 via email to the DDOE.SchoolClimate@doe.k12.de.us. Comments received will receive a response from the DDOE and be attached to the waiver request documentation that will be sent to the U.S. Department of Education.
The Delaware Department of Education is seeking the following to serve as panel chairs for special education due process hearings pursuant to 14 Del C., Sec. 3135 et seq.
- Attorneys admitted to practice and in good standing with a bar the state in which the attorney holds their license
- Educators currently not employed by a Delaware public school
- A lay person with a demonstrated interest in the education of children with disabilities and approved by the Governor’s Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens
Each hearing officer must:
- have knowledge of, and the ability to understand, the provisions of the IDEA, and state and federal regulations pertaining to the education of children with disabilities, and the legal interpretations of the IDEA by federal and state courts;
- have the knowledge and ability to render and write decisions in accordance with appropriate, standard legal practice, in cooperation and consultation with the other hearing officers appointed to a given hearing panel; and
- complete training as required by the Secretary of Education to ensure adequate knowledge and competent performance.
Applications are due by Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024: Attorney application, Educator application, Layperson application
For questions, email dispute.resolution@doe.k12.de.us.
A class action lawsuit and fairness hearing has been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. March 14, 2024, to decide whether the proposed settlement agreement below is fair, adequate, and reasonable. This hearing will be held at the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse, 844 N. King Street, Courtroom 6A, Wilmington, DE 19801-3555. If you want to testify at the hearing or attend the hearing, you must send a letter or email no later than February 15, 2024 to:
Lawrence Lee Wentz, Esq.
521 N. West Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
lee.wentz@lwentzlaw.com
Mr. Wentz may also be contacted with any questions you have via phone at (302)319-3387 or via email or mail at the addresses listed above.
Overview: Students who exited special education services without a high school diploma in the school years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 because of their age (they turned 21 years old during the 2019-2020 or the 2020-2021 school years) may be eligible for a compensatory education fund for private educational services. This fund will compensate class members 3.5 hours per day for each day of public education of which the student was deprived and is valued at $75 per hour.
Delaware law now states that students who qualify for special education services, but who do not receive a regular high school diploma, may continue to be eligible to receive services until the end of the school year in which the student turns 22 years old.
- Notice of class action settlement and fairness hearing: English | Español
- Opt-out form: English | Español
- Settlement Agreement
The 2023-2028 Multilingual Learner Strategic Plan is designed to empower Delaware’s multilingual learners to thrive. Through high-quality education and by honoring cultural and linguistic assets, the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) aims to enhance multiculturalism, multilingual learning, and language-friendly schools throughout the state, promoting diverse voices and strengthening our communities.
Delaware’s Multilingual Learner Strategic Plan was collaboratively developed with the help of students, families, and educators. This new plan defines four priorities:
- Advocating for coherent policy, system and programming changes that support multilingualism,
- Building the capacity of all educators to center multilingual learners in statewide educational initiatives,
- Developing a shared awareness of the value of multilingualism, and
- Improving the daily experiences of MLL students and their families leading to post-secondary success.
Multiple translations of the plan and an overview document are available on the DDOE Multilingual Learner webpage. Please share as appropriate and help champion this work. Through our collective efforts, shared resources, and cooperation, we will continue to improve the daily experiences of Delaware’s multilingual students and families.
Under State of Delaware law, the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) is required to exercise general control and supervision over all public schools in the state. DDOE supports districts and charter schools with resources, professional development, grant access and more so that all Delaware students are ready for success in college, career and life. Delaware education laws and regulations are often formed in partnership with the State Board of Education (SBE), the Professional Standards Board (PSB) and the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA). Learn more about governing laws and regulations for education and how the public can present their views on proposed regulation on our education regulations and code site.
