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 4201 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965
February 19, 2025
The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) is requesting a Tydings waiver for federal fiscal years (FFY) 2020 and 2021 of the Title IV, Part B Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant program, which is a program authorized under section 4201 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). If the waiver is approved, FFY 2020 and FFY 2021 funding for the grant program will be extended through August 31, 2025. Delaware is requesting the waiver considering the unexpected adjustments in the educational environment, including loss of enrollment, that schools and the 21st CCLC grantees experienced because of the pandemic. The out-of-school time program shift led to a reduction in programming and planned budgetary expenditures. Approval of the waiver would allow DDOE to extend the grant period for FFY 2020 and FFY 2021, both simultaneously to: 1) increase the number of students served through the grant; and 2) support expansion of summer program offerings.
If the waiver request is approved, it would allow DDOE and existing 21st CCLC programs to continue serving students. Additionally, DDOE will ensure that the fidelity of the 21st CCLC funded programs operate successfully with continued monitoring and support.
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 reasonable opportunity to comment and provide input on a proposed waiver request. This communication serves as notice of the DDOE’s intent to submit a Tydings waiver request to the USDE for FFY 2020 and 2021 of the 21st CCLC grant program, and as an invitation to the public to provide feedback on the proposed waiver request. The public comment period will be open from February 19, 2025 until February 26, 2025. Please submit comments to ruth.uhey@doe.k12.de.us. Comments will receive a response from the DDOE and be attached to the waiver request documentation that will be sent to the USDE.
Compensatory Funding Education requests can be made online for class members entitled under the settlement of S.E. v. Delaware Department of Education, C.A. No. 22-00429.
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.
