AFT offers guidance on new federal regs
What is this thing called 'highly qualified'?

Educators across the nation are deciphering a slew of new regulations tied to Title I and the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLBA). Late last year, the Department of Education adopted final regulations related to the act, which is the latest version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. When it comes to teacher quality, the department's final rules were a mixed bag for educators, with revisions ranging from the good to the bad to the downright confusing.

To help teachers untangle the new rules, the AFT educational issues department has developed a useful question-and-answer guide that spells out what the final regs mean for the classroom practitioner. The Q&A is available online at  www.aft.org/esea. Here are some excerpts:
 

There's a lot of talk about "highly qualified teachers" in the new law. What does it mean?

The law requires teachers who teach core academic subjects to be "highly qualified." The law defines highly qualified teachers as those who meet two requirements. First, they either have obtained full state certification (including alternative certification) or they have passed the state teacher licensing exam. Second, they hold a license to teach in the state and have not had certification or licensure requirements waived on an emergency, temporary or provisional basis. In addition, there are requirements for demonstrating subject-matter knowledge that differ depending on whether teachers work in elementary, middle or high school, and whether they are new to the profession or are veteran teachers. Each state will determine who is "new to the profession."

How do I know if the new law applies to me?

States are in the process of incorporating the new federal requirements into their teacher certification and licensure systems. In some states, the existing certification and licensure requirements meet the federal requirements. However, in other states, changes will be necessary, and you may have to fulfill additional requirements to show that you are "highly qualified" as defined by the law. The requirements will depend on whether you are an elementary, middle or high school teacher, and whether you're a teacher new to the profession or a veteran teacher. It's a good idea to check with your local union for more information.

When do these requirements go into effect?

All teachers of core academic subjects hired after the first day of the 2002-03 school year who teach in a program supported by Title I funds must be highly qualified. By the end of the 2005-06 school year, all teachers of core academic subjects must be highly qualified.

What are the "core academic subjects"?

English, reading, language arts, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics, government, economics, arts, history andgeography.

I'm a special education teacher. Does this law apply to me?

Special education teachers who are providing instruction in core academic subjects must meet the "highly qualified" definition in all subjects they teach. On the other hand, special educators who do not directly instruct students in any core academic subject or who only provide consultation to teachers of core academic subjects, do not need to meet the same "highly qualified" subject-matter competency requirements.

I teach English language learners (ELLs). Does this law apply to me?

ELL teachers must meet the "highly qualified" definition in all subjects they teach. In addition, if you teach in a program funded by Title III, you must be fluent in English and any other language used for instruction, including having written and oral communication skills.

I'm a new teacher. How do I meet the "highly qualified" definition?

Teachers who are new to the profession must hold at least a bachelor's degree and demonstrate a high level of subject-matter competency to be deemed "highly qualified."  Elementary school  teachers who are new to the profession must demonstrate subject knowledge and teaching skills in reading, writing, mathematics and other areas of the basic elementary school curriculum by passing a rigorous test. Your state certification or licensure test may count toward meeting this requirement. Middle and high school teachers who are new to the profession must demonstrate a high level of competency in each of the academic subjects they teach by passing a subject-matter test in each subject or by successfully completing an academic major, a graduate degree, coursework equivalent to an undergraduate major, or advanced certification or credentialing. Your state certification or licensure tests may count toward meeting this requirement.

I've been teaching for years. What steps do I need to take?

To meet the "highly qualified" definition, veteran teachers are required to hold at least a bachelor's degree and a state teaching license. They must also either meet the requirements for teachers new to the profession or demonstrate competency in each academic subject they teach based on a "high, objective uniform state standard of evaluation." Each state will determine what this evaluation option will look like. Check with your local union, district office or state department of education to find out the evaluation option being offered in your state.

I'm a vocational education teacher. Do I have to meet the "highly qualified" definition?

Only if you teach a core academic subject. For example, if a vocational education teacher only teaches a trade, such as auto mechanics, he would not need to meet the "highly qualified" teacher requirements.

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