Attachment-TexasEducationAgency.docVIP

New Interpretation/Guidance for Elementary School Teachers New to the Profession New Interpretation of Statute Public Law 107-110, Section 9101(23)(B)(i) states that the term ‘highly qualified,’ when used with respect to an elementary school teacher who is new to the profession, means that the teacher— holds at least a bachelor’s degree; and has demonstrated, by passing a rigorous State test, subject knowledge and teaching skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and other areas of the basic elementary school curriculum. Previously, the State’s guidance had interpreted this to mean that an elementary teacher who was new to the profession and who had passed a subject-specific certification exam would have been considered Highly Qualified to teach the applicable subject area at the elementary school level. Under the USDE’s new interpretation of statute, an elementary teacher who teaches reading/language arts, writing, mathematics, science, and/or social studies and is new to the profession (less than one year of credible teaching experience when hired) must pass a generalist exam to demonstrate subject competency, and be deemed highly qualified, in all the areas required by statute. For purposes of highly qualified at the elementary level, passing the TExES EC-4, EC-6, or 4-8 Generalist; TExES EC-4, EC-6, or 4-8 Bilingual Generalist; or TExES EC-4, EC-6, or 4-8 ESL Generalist will meet the new interpretation. Under the new interpretation, any elementary teacher who was new to the profession when hired for the 2009-2010 school year and whose demonstration of subject competency was based on passing one of the following exams would not be considered Highly Qualified for elementary grades until he/she has also passed a Generalist exam that tests subject knowledge in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies: 4-8 Math 4-8 Science 4-8 Social Studies 4-8 Math/Science 4-8 ELA/Reading 4-8 ELA/Reading/Social Studies EC-12 Special Education Waiver Granted