HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS No Child Left Behind 11/23/09

What Does Highly Qualified Mean? One of the intentions behind No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is that all children have core content teachers who are considered highly qualified. Core content includes: English, Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Foreign Languages, Social Studies (history, geography, government, civics, economics), Art, Music, and Drama.

Requirements for H.Q. In order to be classified as highly qualified under NCLB, all core content teachers must: Hold a bachelor degree or higher Be fully licensed. (Professional, Master Teacher, Initial, Alternative Licenses or Interim or Teacher in Residence Authorizations) Demonstrate subject matter competency.

Subject Matter Competency Subject matter competency can be demonstrated in a variety of ways. The requirements are different depending upon the grade assignment. Special conditions also apply to Special Education teachers.

Elementary – Grades K-6 Elementary teachers can demonstrate subject matter competency through at least one of the following options: Passing a Colorado elementary content test (PLACE or PRAXIS) Passing an approved elementary content test in another state Passing the National Board Certification assessment in Elementary Passing the elementary HOUSSE provision

Secondary – Grades 6-12 Secondary teachers can demonstrate subject area competency through at least one of the following options: Holding an endorsement in the assigned field Holding a degree in the assigned field Earning 24 semester hours in the assigned field Passing a Colorado content test in the assigned field (PLACE or PRAXIS) Passing a secondary multi-subject HOUSSE provision (if eligible)

HOUSSE HOUSSE stands for Highly Objective Uniform State Standard of Evaluation. It was designed to provide an alternative way for certain categories of teachers to demonstrate subject matter competency. Colorado has HOUSSE provisions for: veteran elementary teachers, multi-subject special education teachers in secondary classes, and multi- subject secondary teachers in rural settings.

What about Middle School? There are a few special provisions to deal with teachers in grades th grade teacher teaching general elementary – must meet elementary HQ requirements 6 th grade teacher teaching a specific subject(s) – must either meet the elementary or the secondary HQ requirements 7 th and 8 th grade teacher teaching at least 3 core must either meet the elementary or the secondary HQ requirements.

For More Information: Contact the Colorado Department of Education – – Cheryl Miller – Lisa Medler