Highly Qualified Teachers

States receiving Title I, Part A funds must develop a plan to ensure that all teachers of core academic subjects are highly qualified no later than the end of the 2005-2006 school year. Each school district must ensure that all teachers of core academic subjects hired after the first day of the 2002-2003 school year, and teaching in programs supported with Title I, Part A funds, already are highly qualified. The district must also have a plan describing how it will meet the state's annual measurable objectives. Highly Qualified has been defined as holding a bachelor's degree in the subject taught, passing a rigorous state test, and holding a teaching credential. States are establishing specific criteria for this provision and plans for strengthening teacher quality in all their schools.

Guidance, Regulations, Legislation, and Announcements

Guidance

Non-Regulatory Guidance, Title II, Part A, Improving Teacher Quality State Grants (Word)
For specific information on English Language Learners, refer to sections A-C7.

USDE: NCLB—A Road Map to State Implementation
This U.S. Department of Education publication is a user-friendly guide to help navigate the road ahead in education reform. It describes ways the Department—together with parents, educators and state and local policymakers—is making NCLB work for students and educators. The law sets the same requirements for all states, while recognizing that the paths they take to get there will vary. The road map breaks down a 670-page law into clear principles for success, and it recaps and frames how states have adapted those principles to raise student achievement. For specific information on highly qualified teachers, refer to pages 22-25.

Regulations

Final Regulation, Part 200—Title I—Improving The Academic Achievement Of The Disadvantaged
For specific information on highly qualified teachers, refer to pages 71730-71732.

Legislation

Final Legislation, Public Law print of PL 107-110, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; Title II, Part A, Sec. 2101. Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High Quality Teachers and Principals

Announcements

Letter from Secretary Paige Regarding Opportunities For Flexibility In Meeting The Highly Qualified Teacher Requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act (March 2004)

Secretary of Education Letter on Highly Qualified Teachers Enforcement & Expectations (October 2005)

For Information Specific to California:

Improving Teacher Quality
Update on California's plan and proposed regulations on highly qualified teachers.

Other Resources

Useful Links

California Department of Education's NCLB Teacher Requirements Resource Guide
This guide, developed by California Department of Education, is intended to provide information for principals, teachers, and district office personnel to help them determine which California teachers currently meet the federal requirements and what steps need to be taken to assist all California teachers in meeting the federal requirements.

National Center for Alternative Certification
This USDE-supported site provides comprehensive resources and information about alternative routes to teacher certification, including a searchable database of alternate routes and programs in each state. Information is geared towards individuals interested in becoming teachers, as well as organizations wanting to facilitate alternate certification routes.

The Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning
The Center is a public, not-for-profit organization, founded on the belief that the knowledge and skills of teachers are key to improved student achievement. The strategic purpose of the Center is to strengthen the continuing development of California’s teacher force in order to provide a rigorous and balanced curriculum for all students, thereby ensuring every child’s continued intellectual, ethical and social development.

The Center's Web site features recent information on teacher development including research, state and national policy and legislative initiatives, and models for effective practice.

Title II Technical Assistance
This USDE Web site provides information on Title II requirements and reporting. Title II supports improved recruitment, preparation, and support of new teachers, as well as requires the reporting of teacher preparation and licensure in every state. Included: contact information, online forums, FAQ, reporting guide and schedule, and links to relevant reports and presentations. In addition, states and institutions of higher education can access technical assistance from Westat through this site.

TQI: A Teacher Qualification Index for California's Schools
The TQI is a standardized rating system that reflects the credential status and experience level of teachers at California public K-12 schools.