MONTGOMERY, AL – As a result of a shift in the interpretation of federal guidelines concerning Highly Qualified (HQ) status, many teachers across the state will have their “Highly Qualified” status changed – predominately in Reading above 3rd Grade and those teaching Reading above the highest grade on their teacher’s certificate. The State Department of Education (SDE) is revising the HQ status of approximately 35,000 teachers statewide; however, fewer than 400 Alabama teachers will be affected since these are the only ones teaching Reading above the highest grade on their teacher’s certificate.
This change is a result of recent interpretations by the United States Department of Education (USDE) involving the rules and regulations of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, now entitled the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Although it is unfortunate that these changes are necessary, the corrective procedure being followed does allow for affected teachers who taught Reading above the highest grade on their certificate to obtain an additional endorsement on their certification after HQ status is reestablished.
“This is an opportunity, not a requirement. This situation opens up a chance for teachers interested in teaching Reading to add this very valuable endorsement to their certification, in addition to obtaining Highly Qualified status,” said Jayne Meyer, Director of Teacher Education and Certification. “We are using a Preliminary Certificate or alternative approach that has already been authorized, so there is assurance that all work done by interested teachers is approved and will enhance their current standing.”
For most teachers deemed HQ for Reading, the change involves deletion of HQ status for Reading above Grade 3 (for those who hold Early Childhood Education or Early Childhood Special Education certificates) and above Grade 6 (for those who hold Elementary Education, Collaborative Special Education [K-6], or Multiple Abilities certificates). Almost all single designations of HQ status for Reading in Grades P-12 will be deleted.
In an effort to accommodate the teachers currently assigned to teaching Reading in the state, the SDE is creating a preliminary certificate through exception for teaching Reading in Grades P-12.
This will allow for a local superintendent to request the preliminary certification for any teacher who taught reading during 2009-2010 above the highest grade on the teacher’s certificate. While holding this one-year certificate, the teacher must complete a free, eLearning course entitled; Kids, Content and Comprehension. Teachers holding a second, one-year preliminary certificate, must complete another on-line learning course entitled Reading Intervention for Struggling Readers.
We anticipate the two eLearning courses will consist of six sessions of two hours each. Teachers who have taught Reading during both the aforementioned years and completed both on-line courses may apply for a teaching certificate with an endorsement for Reading in prekindergarten through 12th Grade (P-12).
Superintendents must request the first and second preliminary certification by October 1, 2010, and October 1, 2011 respectively. Eligible teachers are those who teach Reading at least part time, but are full time employees. Teachers who are eligible are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to add the valuable P-12 Reading endorsement.
After November 15, 2010 teachers will be able to access information via http://tcert.alsde.edu/Portal/Public/Pages/News.aspx
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