NCLB Highly Qualified Letter
|
September 25, 2008 Dear Parent/Guardian, The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, signed into law in 2002, is designed to ensure that all children have an opportunity to obtain a quality education, including the requirement that all teachers have met the federal law’s professional standards. The NCLB Act requires each state to develop plans to ensure that all instructional staff members are “highly qualified” effective the end of the 2005–06 school year. According to this federal law, a “highly qualified” teacher is one who is fully certified or licensed, holds at least a bachelor’s degree, and has demonstrated knowledge and skills in his or her teaching area. An instructional aide must have a two-year associate college degree, two years of college, or pass the state test. Schools are required to inform parents that they may request information regarding the qualifications of their child’s teacher and/or instructional aide. In addition, parents with children attending a Title I school must be informed if their child’s teacher and/or substitute teacher(s) working in the classroom for more than 20 days does not meet the NCLB professional standards. If your child’s class has such a situation, you will receive a letter listing the person’s qualifications. Our School Board and Administration are committed to employing “highly qualified” teachers and instructional aides for every classroom. In fact, the vast majority of our teachers and instructional aides meet the requirements of the NCLB Act. As part of our efforts to keep you better informed, teachers have been requested to discuss their professional qualifications with parents. Many teachers reviewed their qualifications during “open houses” at the first of the school year and/or listed their qualifications in a letter sent home with students. In addition, many teachers list their qualifications on their teacher webpage. You can access individual school websites by going to the district’s website at www.greenville.k12.sc.us and choosing the Schools Section. Another resource for teacher qualifications is the State Teacher Quality website at www.scteachers.org. You may also request the information in writing by sending a letter addressed to your child’s principal. The letter should include the name of the teacher and/or instructional aides and the grade or subject. Your principal will provide you with the information within two weeks of receiving your request. Your continued support is important to the success of your child and school. If you need additional information, please call our Central Support Office at 355-3100. Sincerely, Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Superintendent
|
