Education, Administration

Rule R277-618

Educator Peer Assistance and Review Pilot Program (PAR Program)

Notice of Proposed Rule

(New Rule)

DAR File No.: 36374
Filed: 06/15/2012 07:06:20 AM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

The purpose of this new rule is to provide criteria and procedures for school district participation in the Peer Assistance and Review (PAR) Program.

Summary of the rule or change:

This new rule provides definitions, Utah State Board of Education responsibilities, school district responsibilities, and reporting and accountability requirements.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Section 53A-10-201
• Subsection 53A-1-401(3)

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

There is no anticipated cost or savings to the state budget. Funds appropriated in the 2012 General Session will be distributed to participating school districts.

local governments:

There is no anticipated cost or savings to local government. Participating school districts will receive funding for participation in the program.

small businesses:

There is no anticipated cost or savings to small businesses. This new rule applies to public education and does not affect businesses.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

There is no anticipated cost or savings to persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local government entities. Funds will be distributed to school districts and the rule does not affect individuals.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

There are no compliance costs for affected persons. School districts will comply with state law and the provisions of this rule to receive program funding.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

I have reviewed this rule and I see no fiscal impact on businesses.

Larry K. Shumway, State Superintendent

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Education
Administration
250 E 500 S
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84111-3272

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Carol Lear at the above address, by phone at 801-538-7835, by FAX at 801-538-7768, or by Internet E-mail at carol.lear@schools.utah.gov

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

07/31/2012

This rule may become effective on:

08/07/2012

Authorized by:

Carol Lear, Director, School Law and Legislation

R277. Education, Administration.

R277-618. Educator Peer Assistance and Review Pilot Program (PAR Program).

R277-618-1. Definitions.

A. "Board" means the Utah State Board of Education.

B. "Consortium" means more than one school district or a regional service center, consistent with Section 53A-3-429, composed of school districts.

C. "PAR joint panel" means the governing panel of a district's Peer Assistance and Review Pilot Program composed of an equal number of teacher representatives and district administrators or their designees.

D. "School district" means a school district/ local board of education or a consortium of school districts, such as a Regional Service Center, authorized to participate in the PAR Program under Section 53A-10-202.

E. Other definitions provided in Section 53A-10-201.

 

R277-618-2. Authority and Purpose.

A. This rule is authorization by Utah Constitution Article X, Section 3 which vests general control and supervision of public education in the Board, Section 53A-10-202 which directs the Board to solicit proposals and award grants, establish criteria under Section 53A-10-202(4)(c) and specify procedures, criteria and reporting requirements under Section 53A-10-202(8), and Section 53A-1-401(3) which permits the Board to adopt rules in accordance with its responsibilities.

B. The purpose of this rule is to provide criteria and procedures for participation in the PAR Program as required by Section 53A-10-202(3).

 

R277-618-3. Board Responsibilities.

A. Board Applications and Timelines

(1) The Board shall solicit proposals and provide an application consistent with the purpose and criteria of Section 53a-10-202 through 2013 by June 15 annually.

(2) The Board shall award grants to school districts or consortia on a competitive basis before July 1 annually.

(3) In addition to R277-617-3A(2), the Board may give preference to school district/consortium applications that:

(a) provide for matching local funds or resources;

(b) agree to develop a teacher mentoring and remediation program that meets the standards set by Section 53A-10-201 through 204;

(c) has limited district personnel to operate a teacher assistance and mentoring program without grant assistance;

(d) demonstrate the intent and potential resources to sustain the program over time based on pilot findings.

B. The Board shall notify applicants that the funds come from a one-time appropriation, that, subject to funds available, the Legislature intends to appropriate funds for a five-year period to the Board for the PAR Program. The funds will not lapse annually.

 

R277-618-4. School District Responsibilities.

A. School districts shall submit applications as directed by the Board.

B. School district/consortium applications shall provide a budget for the use of funds consistent with Section 53A-10-202(4).

C. School districts shall use program funds consistent with Section 53A-10-202 (6).

D. School districts shall implement programs with minimum components outlined under Section 53A-10-203 (2), (3), (4) and (5) and this rule.

E. School district plans shall include a PAR joint panel selected consistent with Section 53A-10-204.

 

R277-618-5. Reporting.

A. School districts that receive program funds shall provide data and reports to the Utah State Office of Education as requested.

B. The Board shall report to the Education Interim Committee as required under Section 53A-10-202(3).

 

KEY: peer assistance, grants

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: 2012

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: Art X, Sec 3; 53A-10-202; 53A-10-202(4)(c); 53A-10-202(8); 53A-1-401(3)