EDU-11-13-00016-P Coursework or Training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention

3/13/13 N.Y. St. Reg. EDU-11-13-00016-P

NEW YORK STATE REGISTER

VOLUME XXXV, ISSUE 11

March 13, 2013

RULE MAKING ACTIVITIES

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

PROPOSED RULE MAKING

NO HEARING(S) SCHEDULED

 

I.D No. EDU-11-13-00016-P

Coursework or Training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention

PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE State Administrative Procedure Act, NOTICE is hereby given of the following proposed rule:

Proposed Action:

Amendment of section 52.21 and Part 80; and addition of Subpart 57-4 to Title 8 NYCRR.

Statutory authority:

Education Law, sections 14(5), 207(not subdivided), 212(3), 305(1), (2), 3004(1) and 3007(not subdivided); and L. 2012, ch. 102

Subject:

Coursework or training in harassment, bullying and discrimination prevention and intervention.

Purpose:

To require that applicants have completed at least six hours of coursework or training in harassment, bullying and discrimination prevention and intervention.

Substance of proposed rule (Full text is posted at the following State website:www.regents.nysed.gov/meetings):

Section 52.21 of the Commissioner’s regulations is amended to require, beginning July 1, 2013, all registered teacher education programs leading to certification in the classroom teaching service, school service, or administrative and supervisory service to provide six clock hours, of which at least three hours must be conducted through face-to-face instruction, of coursework or training in the prevention and intervention of harassment, bullying and discrimination. Such coursework or training shall include, training on the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination, as defined in section 11 of the Education Law, including but not limited to those acts based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex; the identification and mitigation of harassment, bullying and discrimination; and strategies for effectively addressing problems of exclusion, bias and aggression in educational settings.

A new subpart 57-4 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education is added, effective July 1, 2013 to establish standards for approval and the approval process for providers of course work or training in harassment, bullying and discrimination, prevention and intervention that is offered to candidates for a teachers' certificate or license in the classroom teaching service, school service, or administrative and supervisory service, as required by section 14 of the Education Law.

Section 57-4.1 discusses the purpose of the new subpart.

Section 57-4.2 sets forth the definitions for terms used in the Subpart, including definitions for coursework or training and provider.

Section 57-4.3 requires person or organization seeking approval as a provider to submit to the department, an application on forms prescribed by the commissioner, with a fee of $600. To be approved, each applicant shall submit evidence acceptable to the department that the applicant:

(1) has and will maintain adequate resources to offer the course work or training;

(2) has and will ensure that faculty who will offer the course work or training have demonstrated, their competence to offer the course work or training;

(3) certifies in writing that the coursework or training will be conducted through use of a curriculum which, at a minimum, includes the syllabus prepared by the department;

(4) certifies, in writing, that certification of completion forms obtained from the department will be issued to students upon completion of the course work or training for their use in documenting satisfaction of the requirement of course work or training in the Prevention and Intervention of Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination; and

(5) certifies, in writing, that it will maintain and produce evidence of completion for all students who complete the course work or training and that it will submit such evidence to the department, in a time and format prescribed by the Commissioner.

Section 57-4.4 sets for a three year term of approval, except that approved status of such providers may be terminated during this term by the department in accordance with section 57-4.6 of this Subpart and allows the provider to reapply to the department for approval following the requirements of section 57-4.3 of this Subpart, including payment of the required fee.

Section 57-4.5 sets for the responsibility of providers, which includes the following responsibilities:

(a) A provider, at a minimum, shall offer the syllabus prepared by the department and demonstrate that at least three of the six clock hours shall be conducted through face-to-face instruction. However, nothing in this section shall preclude providers from offering additional coursework or training which exceeds, or expands upon, the six hour syllabus prescribed by the department.

(b) An approved provider of such course work or training shall execute a certification of completion of each person completing course work or training, and within 21 calendar days of the completion of course work or training, the provider shall submit the certification of completion to the person completing the course work or training for that person’s use in documenting such completion.

(c) The provider shall retain a copy of the certification of completion in the provider’s files for not less than six years from the date of completion of course work or training.

(d) In the event that an approved provider discontinues offering coursework or training, all copies of certifications of completion issued within the six years prior to such discontinuance shall be transferred to the department.

(e) Coursework or training shall be taught by instructors who have demonstrated by training, education and experience their competence to teach the course content prescribed in subdivision (a) of this section.

Section 57-4.6 authorizes the department to review approved providers during the term of approval to ensure compliance with the requirements of this Subpart and allows them to request information from a provider and may conduct site visits, pursuant to such review. A determination by the department that the services offered by a provider are inadequate, incomplete or otherwise unsatisfactory pursuant to the standards set forth in this Subpart shall result in the denial or termination of the approved status of the provider.

Section 57-4.7 provides an exemption from the $600 fee for an institution that offers a registered program leading to certification pursuant to section 52.21 of this Title.

Section 80-1.13 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education is added to require all candidates for a certificate or license valid for an administrative or supervisory service, classroom teaching service or school service who apply for a certificate or license on or after July 1, 2013, shall have completed at least six clock hours, of which at least three hours must be conducted through face-to-face instruction, of course work or training in harassment, bullying and discrimination prevention and intervention, as required by section 14 the Education Law, which is provided by a registered program leading to certification pursuant to section 52.21 of this Title or other approved provider pursuant to Subpart 57-4 of this Title.

Several other conforming amendments are made to Part 80 to require a candidate who applies for the certificate on or after July 1, 2013, to complete at least six clock hours, of which at least three hours must be conducted through face-to-face instruction, of coursework or training in harassment, bullying and discrimination prevention and intervention, as required by section 14 the Education Law.

Text of proposed rule and any required statements and analyses may be obtained from:

Mary Gammon, State Education Department, Office of Counsel, State Education Building, Room 148, 89 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12234, [phone], email: [e-mail]

Data, views or arguments may be submitted to:

Peg Rivers, State Education Department, Office of Higher Education, Room 979, Washington Avenue, 89 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12234, [phone], email: [e-mail]

Public comment will be received until:

45 days after publication of this notice.

Regulatory Impact Statement

1. STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

Subdivision (5) of Section 14 of the Education Law, as amended by Chapter 102 of the Laws of 2012 requires the Commissioner to prescribe regulations to require that school professionals applying on or after July 1, 2013 for a certificate or license, including but not limited to a certificate or license valid for service as a classroom teacher, school counselor, school psychologist, school social worker, school administrator or supervisor or superintendent of schools to complete training on the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination.

Section 207 of the Education Law grants general rule making authority to the Board of Regents to carry into effect the laws and policies of the State relating to education.

Subdivision (3) of section 212 of the Education Law authorizes the Department to fix by regulation fees for certification or permits for which fees are not otherwise provided under the Education Law.

Subdivision (1) of section 305 of the Education Law empowers the Commissioner of Education to be the chief executive officer of the state system of education and of the Board of Regents and authorizes the Commissioner of Education to enforce laws relating to the educational system and to execute educational policies determined by the Regents.

Subdivision (2) of section 305 of the Education Law authorizes the Commissioner of Education to have general supervision over all schools subject to the Education Law.

Subdivision (1) of section 3004 of the Education Law authorizes the Commissioner of Education to prescribe, subject to the approval of the Regents, regulations governing the examination and certification of teachers employed in all public schools in the State.

Section 3007 of the Education Law authorizes the Commissioner of Education to endorse a diploma or certificate issued in another state.

2. LEGISLATIVE OBJECTIVES:

The proposed amendment is necessary to implement Education Law 14(5), as added by Chapter 102 of the Laws of 2012, by requiring school professionals applying on or after July 1, 2013 for a certificate or license to complete training on the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination and establishing standards for Education Department approval of providers of such course work or training.

3. NEEDS AND BENEFITS:

The proposed amendment is necessary to implement Education Law section 14, by requiring school professionals applying on or after July 1, 2013 for a certificate or license to complete training on the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination and establishing standards for Education Department approval of providers of such course work or training.

4. COSTS:

(a) Costs to State government:

No additional costs are imposed on the State beyond those imposed by statute.

(b) Costs to local governments:

School districts and BOCES seeking status as an approved provider of training courses will be required to submit an application fee of $600 to the Department. However, the decision as to whether to become an approved provider is permissive in nature. Therefore, no mandatory costs are imposed on local governments beyond those imposed by statute.

(c) Cost to private regulated parties:

The proposed amendment will impose a cost of $600 on private regulated parties that select to apply to become an approved provider of the required course work or training, except an institution that offers a registered program leading to certification under section 52.21 of Commissioner’s regulations shall not be required to pay a fee. However, the decision as to whether to become an approved provider is permissive in nature. Therefore, no mandatory costs are imposed on private regulated parties beyond those imposed by statute.

For candidates seeking certification on or after July 1, 2013, there may be additional fees to take the courses or training needed to obtain certification, however, no additional costs are imposed beyond those imposed by statute.

(d) Costs to regulating agency for implementing and continued administration of the rule:

As stated above in "Costs to State Government," the amendment will impose minimal additional costs on the State Education Department.

5. LOCAL GOVERNMENT MANDATES:

The Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) added Article 2 to the Education Law (Education Law §§ 10 through 18), to require, among other things, school districts to create policies and guidelines to be used in school training programs to discourage the development of discrimination or harassment and to enable employees to prevent and respond to discrimination or harassment. These provisions took effect on July 1, 2012.

In June 2012 the Legislature enacted Chapter 102 of the Laws of 2012, which amended the Dignity Act to include a requirement that school professionals applying for a certificate or license on or after July 1, 2013 complete training on the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination.

In response to the new law, the Department consulted with a work group, which was comprised of representatives of teachers, administrators, school social workers, school counselors, school guidance counselors, school psychologists, superintendents, school boards, teacher education program faculty, GLESN and Empire Pride Agenda to seek recommendations on how many hours and the types of training needed to ensure that school personnel have adequate training in harassment, bullying and discrimination. The work group recommended that the following actions be taken:

• Part 52 of the Commissioner’s Regulations be amended to require teacher and school leadership preparation programs to include at least six hours of training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention.

• A new Subpart 57-4 of the Commissioner’s Regulations be added to establish standards under which the Department will approve providers of this training.

• Part 80 of the Commissioner’s Regulations be amended to require that anyone applying for an administrative or supervisory service, classroom teaching service or school service certificate or license on or after July 1, 2013, shall have completed at least six clock hours of coursework or training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention.

The proposed amendment imposes no mandates on local governments, beyond those imposed by statute.

6. PAPERWORK:

Any person or organization seeking approval as a provider must complete an application and submit a $600 fee. At the expiration of its 3 year term of approval, a provider may reapply to the Department in accordance with the procedures set forth in proposed section 57-4.3, including payment of the required fee. However, an institution that offers a registered program leading to certification under section 52.21 of Commissioner’s regulations shall not be required to pay a fee for approval under this section. An approved provider shall execute a certification of completion for each person completing course work or training, and within 21 calendar days of completion of the course work or training, the provider shall submit the certification of completion to the person completing the course work or training. The provider shall retain a copy of the certification of completion in the provider's files for not less than 6 years from the date of completion. In the event the provider discontinues offering course work or training, all copies of certifications of completion issued within the 6 years prior to the discontinuance shall be transferred to the Department.

7. DUPLICATION:

The amendment does not duplicate any existing State or Federal requirements, and is necessary to implement the requirements of Chapter 102 of the Laws of 2012.

8. ALTERNATIVES:

Since these amendments are required by Chapter 102 of the Laws of 2012, no alternatives were considered.

9. FEDERAL STANDARDS:

There are no related Federal standards governing the certification of teachers and administrators.

10. COMPLIANCE SCHEDULE:

It is anticipated that regulated parties will be able to achieve compliance with this amendment by its stated effective date.

11. INITIAL REVIEW OF RULE (SAPA § 207):

Pursuant to State Administrative Procedure Act section 207(1)(b), the State Education Department proposes that the initial review of this rule shall occur in the fifth calendar year after the year in which the rule is adopted, instead of in the third calendar year. The justification for a five year review period is that the proposed amendment merely implements, and conforms the Commissioner's Regulations to, statutory requirements under Chapter 102 of the Laws of 2012 and therefore the substantive provisions of the proposed amendment cannot be repealed or modified unless there is a further statutory change. Accordingly, there is no need for a shorter review period. The Department invites public comment on the proposed five year review period for this rule. Comments should be sent to the agency contact listed in item 10. of the Notice of Proposed Rule Making published herewith, and must be received within 45 days of the State Register publication date of the Notice.

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

(a) Small Businesses:

1. EFFECT OF RULE:

The Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) added Article 2 to the Education Law (Education Law § § 10 through 18), to require, among other things, school districts to create policies and guidelines to be used in school training programs to discourage the development of discrimination or harassment and to enable employees to prevent and respond to discrimination or harassment. These provisions took effect on July 1, 2012.

In June 2012 the Legislature enacted Chapter 102 of the Laws of 2012, which amended the Dignity Act to include a requirement that school professionals applying for a certificate or license on or after July 1, 2013 complete training on the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination.

In response to the new law, the Department consulted with a work group, which was comprised of representatives of teachers, administrators, school social workers, school counselors, school guidance counselors, school psychologists, superintendents, school boards, teacher education program faculty, GLESN and Empire Pride Agenda to seek recommendations on how many hours and the types of training needed to ensure that school personnel have adequate training in harassment, bullying and discrimination. The work group recommended that the following actions be taken:

• Part 52 of the Commissioner’s Regulations be amended to require teacher and school leadership preparation programs to include at least six hours of training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention.

• A new Subpart 57-4 of the Commissioner’s Regulations be added to establish standards under which the Department will approve providers of this training.

• Part 80 of the Commissioner’s Regulations be amended to require that anyone applying for an administrative or supervisory service, classroom teaching service or school service certificate or license on or after July 1, 2013, shall have completed at least six clock hours of coursework or training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention.

The proposed amendment implements these recommendations. A teachers’ or professional organization or association that seeks to become an approved provider of this training could be a small business.

2. COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS:

There are compliance requirements for institutions or small businesses seeking to become an approved provider. Any person or organization seeking approval as a provider must complete an application and submit a $600 fee. At the expiration of its 3 year term of approval, a provider may reapply to the Department in accordance with the procedures set forth in proposed section 57-4.3, including payment of the required fee. However, an institution that offers a registered program leading to certification under section 52.21 of Commissioner’s regulations shall not be required to pay a fee for approval under this section. An approved provider shall execute a certification of completion for each person completing course work or training, and within 21 calendar days of completion of the course work or training, the provider shall submit the certification of completion to the person completing the course work or training. The provider shall retain a copy of the certification of completion in the provider's files for not less than 6 years from the date of completion. In the event the provider discontinues offering course work or training, all copies of certifications of completion issued within the 6 years prior to the discontinuance shall be transferred to the Department.

3. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES:

No professional services are expected to be required by small businesses to comply with the proposed rule.

4. COMPLIANCE COSTS:

The proposed amendment will impose a cost of $600 on private regulated parties that select to apply to become an approved provider of the required course work or training, except an institution that offers a registered program leading to certification under section 52.21 of Commissioner’s regulations shall not be required to pay a fee. However, the decision as to whether to become an approved provider is permissive in nature.

5. ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL FEASIBILITY:

The proposed rule will not impose any technological requirements on regulated parties. See above Compliance Costs for the economic impact of the regulation.

6. MINIMIZING ADVERSE IMPACT:

Since these amendments are required by Chapter 102 of the Laws of 2012, no alternatives were considered.

Moreover, the Department believes that the standards for sponsor review by the State Education Department are reasonable, and that uniform standards should apply, regardless of the size of the sponsoring organization, in order to ensure the quality of the continuing education.

7. SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION:

In response to the new law, the Department consulted with a work group, which was comprised of representatives of teachers, administrators, school social workers, school counselors, school guidance counselors, school psychologists, superintendents, school boards, teacher education program faculty, GLESN and Empire Pride Agenda to seek recommendations on how many hours and the types of training needed to ensure that school personnel have adequate training in harassment, bullying and discrimination.

(b) Local Governments:

1. EFFECT OF RULE:

The Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) added Article 2 to the Education Law (Education Law §§ 10 through 18), to require, among other things, school districts to create policies and guidelines to be used in school training programs to discourage the development of discrimination or harassment and to enable employees to prevent and respond to discrimination or harassment. These provisions took effect on July 1, 2012.

In June 2012 the Legislature enacted Chapter 102 of the Laws of 2012, which amended the Dignity Act to include a requirement that school professionals applying for a certificate or license on or after July 1, 2013 complete training on the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination.

In response to the new law, the Department consulted with a work group, which was comprised of representatives of teachers, administrators, school social workers, school counselors, school guidance counselors, school psychologists, superintendents, school boards, teacher education program faculty, GLESN and Empire Pride Agenda to seek recommendations on how many hours and the types of training needed to ensure that school personnel have adequate training in harassment, bullying and discrimination. The work group recommended that the following actions be taken:

• Part 52 of the Commissioner’s Regulations be amended to require teacher and school leadership preparation programs to include at least six hours of training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention.

• A new Subpart 57-4 of the Commissioner’s Regulations be added to establish standards under which the Department will approve providers of this training.

• Part 80 of the Commissioner’s Regulations be amended to require that anyone applying for an administrative or supervisory service, classroom teaching service or school service certificate or license on or after July 1, 2013, shall have completed at least six clock hours of coursework or training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention.

The proposed amendment implements these recommendations and authorizes school districts and BOCES to apply to become an approved provider of this training.

2. COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS:

There are compliance requirements for school districts or BOCES seeking to become an approved provider. Any person or organization seeking approval as a provider must complete an application and submit a $600 fee. At the expiration of its 3 year term of approval, a provider may reapply to the Department in accordance with the procedures set forth in proposed section 57-4.3, including payment of the required fee. An approved provider shall execute a certification of completion for each person completing course work or training, and within 21 calendar days of completion of the course work or training, the provider shall submit the certification of completion to the person completing the course work or training. The provider shall retain a copy of the certification of completion in the provider's files for not less than 6 years from the date of completion. In the event the provider discontinues offering course work or training, all copies of certifications of completion issued within the 6 years prior to the discontinuance shall be transferred to the Department.

3. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES:

No professional services are expected to be required by local governments to comply with the proposed rule.

4. COMPLIANCE COSTS:

The proposed amendment will impose a cost of $600 on school districts and BOCES that select to apply to become an approved provider of the required course work or training. However, the decision as to whether to become an approved provider is permissive in nature.

5. ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL FEASIBILITY:

The proposed rule will not impose any technological requirements on regulated parties. See above Compliance Costs for the economic impact of the regulation.

6. MINIMIZING ADVERSE IMPACT:

Since these amendments are required by Chapter 102 of the Laws of 2012, no alternatives were considered.

Moreover, the Department believes that the standards for sponsor review by the State Education Department are reasonable, and that uniform standards should apply, regardless of whether the sponsor is a local government, in order to ensure the quality of the continuing education.

7. LOCAL GOVERNMENT PARTICIPATION:

In response to the new law, the Department consulted with a work group, which was comprised of representatives of teachers, administrators, school social workers, school counselors, school guidance counselors, school psychologists, superintendents, school boards, teacher education program faculty, GLESN and Empire Pride Agenda to seek recommendations on how many hours and the types of training needed to ensure that school personnel have adequate training in harassment, bullying and discrimination.

Rural Area Flexibility Analysis

1. TYPES AND ESTIMATED NUMBER OF RURAL AREAS:

The proposed amendment will affect anyone applying for an administrative or supervisory service, classroom teaching service or school service certificate or license on or after July 1, 2013 who are certified in another State and who are applying for a teaching certificate in all parts of this State, including those located in the 44 rural counties with fewer than 200,000 inhabitants and the 71 towns and urban counties with a population density of 150 square miles or less.

2. REPORTING, RECORDKEEPING, AND OTHER COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS; AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES:

The Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) added Article 2 to the Education Law (Education Law §§ 10 through 18), to require, among other things, school districts to create policies and guidelines to be used in school training programs to discourage the development of discrimination or harassment and to enable employees to prevent and respond to discrimination or harassment. These provisions took effect on July 1, 2012.

In June 2012 the Legislature enacted Chapter 102 of the Laws of 2012, which amended the Dignity Act to include a requirement that school professionals applying for a certificate or license on or after July 1, 2013 complete training on the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination.

In response to the new law, the Department consulted with a work group, which was comprised of representatives of teachers, administrators, school social workers, school counselors, school guidance counselors, school psychologists, superintendents, school boards, teacher education program faculty, GLESN and Empire Pride Agenda to seek recommendations on how many hours and the types of training needed to ensure that school personnel have adequate training in harassment, bullying and discrimination. The work group recommended that the following actions be taken:

• Part 52 of the Commissioner’s Regulations be amended to require teacher and school leadership preparation programs to include at least six hours of training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention.

• A new Subpart 57-4 of the Commissioner’s Regulations be added to establish standards under which the Department will approve providers of this training.

• Part 80 of the Commissioner’s Regulations be amended to require that anyone applying for an administrative or supervisory service, classroom teaching service or school service certificate or license on or after July 1, 2013, shall have completed at least six clock hours of coursework or training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention.

The proposed amendment implements these recommendations and provides that any person or organization seeking approval as a provider must complete an application and submit a $600 fee. At the expiration of its 3 year term of approval, a provider may reapply to the Department in accordance with the procedures set forth in proposed section 57-4.3, including payment of the required fee. However, an institution that offers a registered program leading to certification under section 52.21 of Commissioner’s regulations shall not be required to pay a fee for approval under this section. An approved provider shall execute a certification of completion for each person completing course work or training, and within 21 calendar days of completion of the course work or training, the provider shall submit the certification of completion to the person completing the course work or training. The provider shall retain a copy of the certification of completion in the provider's files for not less than 6 years from the date of completion. In the event the provider discontinues offering course work or training, all copies of certifications of completion issued within the 6 years prior to the discontinuance shall be transferred to the Department.

3. COSTS:

The proposed amendment will impose a cost of $600 on private regulated parties that select to apply to become an approved provider of the required course work or training, except an institution that offers a registered program leading to certification under section 52.21 of Commissioner’s regulations shall not be required to pay a fee. However, the decision as to whether to become an approved provider is permissive in nature. Therefore, no mandatory costs are imposed on private regulated parties beyond those imposed by statute.

For candidates seeking certification on or after July 1, 2013, there may be additional fees to take the courses or training needed to obtain certification, however, no additional costs are imposed beyond those imposed by statute.

4. MINIMIZING ADVERSE IMPACT:

Since these amendments are required to implement the provisions of Chapter 102 of the Laws of 2012, no alternatives were considered. In addition, uniform certification standards must be applied throughout the State to ensure the consistency of teacher qualifications across the State.

5. RURAL AREA PARTICIPATION:

In response to the new law, the Department consulted with a work group, which was comprised of representatives of teachers, administrators, school social workers, school counselors, school guidance counselors, school psychologists, superintendents, school boards, teacher education program faculty, GLESN and Empire Pride Agenda to seek recommendations on how many hours and the types of training needed to ensure that school personnel have adequate training in harassment, bullying and discrimination. The work included representatives from across the State, including members from rural areas.

Job Impact Statement

The proposed amendment requires that anyone applying for an administrative or supervisory service, classroom teaching service or school service certificate or license on or after July 1, 2013 to complete at least six clock hours of coursework or training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention in order to implement the policies, procedures and guideline requirements of the Dignity for All Students Act, as amended by Chapter 102 of the Laws of 2012. The proposed amendment also sets forth the standards and process for approval of providers of such training. The proposed amendment will not have an adverse impact on jobs or employment opportunities. Because it is evident from the nature of the proposed amendment that it will have a positive impact, or no impact, on jobs or employment opportunities, no further steps were needed to ascertain those facts and none were taken. Accordingly, a job impact statement is not required and one has not been prepared.