REFERENCE GUIDE TITLE: NUMBER: ISSUER: No Child Left Behind (NCLB): Qualifications for Teachers; Parent Notification Requirements and Parents Right to Know Procedures, Annual Principal Certification Form and High Objective Uniform State Standard of Evaluation (HOUSSE) REF-1408 DATE: Deborah D. Hirsh, Chief Officer ROUTING All Schools and Offices Local District Superintendents Local District Directors of Instruction Local District School Support Directors Principals Administrators Counselors School Administrative Assistants PURPOSE: MAJOR CHANGES: INSTRUCTIONS: The purpose of this Reference Guide is to provide information to assist school sites in implementing the federal requirements of H.R.1, The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, as it relates to teachers of core academic subjects. NCLB legislation requires that parents be notified when students in core academic subjects in Title I schools are taught for four or more weeks by a teacher who is not in compliance with NCLB (Sec. 1119). Additionally, parents may receive upon request the qualifications of their child s teacher (s). Also included is the annual principal certification form and the HOUSSE procedures for not new teachers. At the conclusion of this memo are the definitions of a highly qualified teacher as delineated under NCLB for your reference. A. Parent Notification Procedures Parents of students at Title I schools in core academic subjects who are taught by teachers on emergency permit, pre intern certificates, or waivers must be notified in accord with NCLB requirements (Attachment A). This notification also includes extended substitutes not deemed highly qualified who have been assigned to core academic subjects for four or more consecutive weeks. If you have questions about extended substitutes, contact your school s personnel specialist. Page 1 of 4
REFERENCE GUIDE A school roster may be printed using the Student Information System at your site. The roster will list the credential status of all teachers, the classes or subjects to which each is assigned and their current status in meeting the NCLB highly qualified requirement. Be advised that only those assigned to core academic subjects in Title I schools are included in the federal statute. Core academic subjects include English, Reading or Language Arts, Math, Science, Foreign Language, Civics and Government, Economics, Arts, History and Geography. This notification letter may be printed from the school s Student Information System. The procedures are as follows: Elementary Schools Report Menu 14, Option 37, Parents Notification (Title I Schools) Secondary Schools ID67 To ensure accurate reporting to parents, all schools should correct invalid employee numbers in FC01. B. Parents Right to Know H.R. 1 requires that parents and/or guardians of students attending Title I funded schools may make written requests and receive information (Attachments B, C, and D) regarding the qualifications of their child s teacher(s). Upon request the parent will be provided with the teacher s credential(s), degree(s), and major(s). A parent letter may be printed from the school s SIS that provides the teacher s qualifications. The procedures are as follows: Elementary Schools Report Menu 14, Option 35, Parents Right to Know Letter Secondary Schools ID64 If you have any questions about a teacher s qualifications, contact your school s personnel specialist for clarification. C. Employee Privacy Confidentiality and privacy rights must be maintained in the collection, retention, and dissemination of employee information. Personal information, such as the employee number, social security number, age, home address and telephone number or anything else of a personal nature, shall not, under any circumstances, be shared with parents or any other unauthorized persons. Page 2 of 4
REFERENCE GUIDE Additionally, care must be taken at all times to ensure that personal information is collected and maintained in a secure manner. D. Principal Certification Form for the 2004-2005 School Year A certification form for the 2004-2005 school year has been included for your approval and signature (Attachment E). A school roster may be printed from the school s Student Information System (SIS). Elementary Schools Report Menu 14, Option 36 Teacher Qualifications Roster Secondary Schools FC07 The roster will list the credentials of all teachers and the classes or subjects to which each is assigned. It will also indicate if each individual is in compliance with NCLB. Be advised that only those assigned to core academic subjects in Title I schools are included in the statute. Core academic subjects include English, Reading or Language Arts, Math, Science, Foreign Language, Civics and Government, Economics, Arts, History and Geography. Upon reviewing the teacher roster, if a No (not in compliance) or Pending appears after any teacher who is assigned to a core academic setting, then the school is not yet in compliance with NCLB with respect to teachers. Principals must check either box 1 (in compliance) or box 2 (not in compliance) on the Principal Certification form. Please sign the Principal Certification form and submit the original to the Specially Funded Programs Branch by Friday, March 25, 2005. Retain a copy for your school s compliance file. E. High Objective Uniform State Standard of Evaluation (HOUSSE) NCLB legislation defines a highly qualified teacher as one who is credentialed or enrolled in a CCTC approved intern program and has demonstrated subject matter competence. Teachers in possession of a credential or enrolled in an intern program before July 1, 2002 are considered not new and may undergo California s HOUSSE process in order to be designated as highly qualified. This process requires that each not new teacher accumulate 100 points in a specific subject area in order to be considered highly qualified. (Attachment F and G). In order to make this process seamless for school sites, the points have been calculated electronically, using data on the District s central database. Page 3 of 4
REFERENCE GUIDE If a not new teacher is still pending on the school roster, it most likely means that sufficient data was not available for that teacher in the system. The staff will ultimately contact the teacher in order to collect the remaining information. Be advised that each Stull observation a site administrator conducts and records in a teacher s classroom, counts as 20 points for HOUSSE. Thus, multiple observations (up to five) may generate points for teachers listed as pending on the school roster. RELATED RESOURCES: A certification form for the 2004-2005 school year has been included for your approval and signature (Attachment E). Additionally, the parents right to know forms and the non highly qualified sample teacher notice letters are included. At the conclusion of this reference guide are the definitions of a highly qualified teacher as designated under NCLB. (Attachments H and I) ASSISTANCE: For assistance or further information regarding the highly qualified teacher definition or procedures contained therein, please contact Carolina H. Pavía, Administrator, Certificated Employment at (213) 241-6911 or at carolina.pavia@lausd.net or Justo Avila, Administrative Coordinator, at (213) 241-2504 or at justo.avila@lausd.net. For assistance with SIS, please call: Elementary SIS Support at (213) 241-4617 Secondary SIS Support at (213) 241-4850. Teachers in need of further clarification may contact the NCLB Unit, Human Resources at (213) 241-6356. Page 4 of 4
ATTACHMENT A Dear Parent or Guardian: The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) passed in January of 2002 by the federal government. The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that all children have an equal opportunity to obtain a high quality education and are taught by highly qualified teachers. The federal legislation outlines specific parental notification requirements with respect to the qualifications of teachers in Title I schools. Your child s teacher is currently in the process of working towards full certification in accord with the federal requirements. The District monitors his/her progress annually to ensure that all required coursework or exams have been completed in accord with NCLB. Site Principal [Name of School] Teacher(s)
Distrito Escolar Unificado de Los Angeles Recursos Humanos Guía de Referencia Nº 1408 14 de febrero de 2005 Anexo A Estimados Padres de Familia o Tutores: La ley No Child Left Behind (NCLB, por su sigla en inglés), conocida en español como ningún niño se quede atrás, fue aprobada por el gobierno federal en enero de 2002. La finalidad de esta legislación es garantizar que todos los niños tengan igual oportunidad de recibir una educación de alta calidad, y que sean enseñados por maestros altamente capacitados. En ella se estipulan los requisitos específicos de notificación a los padres de estudiantes con respecto a las calificaciones de los maestros en escuelas participando en el Programa Título I. El maestro(a) de su hijo(a) se encuentra actualmente en proceso de obtener su certificación completa, de acuerdo a los requisitos federales. El Distrito supervisa su progreso anual para asegurarse que todos los cursos y las pruebas se completen de acuerdo a la ley NCLB. Director(a) del establecimiento [Name of School] maestro(a)
ATTACHMENT B (Optional) [Parents or Legal Guardians Right to Know] I,, wish to request certain information about the qualifications of my child s teacher (s) which federal law requires school districts to provide. My child s name is: ; her/his birth date is:. In order to better protect the child s privacy rights, I understand that the school may request confirmation of my status as the child s parent or legal guardian. I also understand that this request may take ten (10) days or longer to process and will be made available at the school during regular business hours (a.m. to p.m.) or will be mailed to the address on file as the legal residence for students who are transported from their neighborhood school. [Parent or guardian signature] [Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Telephone Number] [Date]
DISTRITO ESCOLAR UNIFICADO DE LOS ANGELES Recursos Humanos Guia de Referencia Núm.-1408 ATTACHMENT B 14 de febrero de 2005 (Optional) [Derecho del padre, la madre o el tutor a la información] Yo,, deseo solicitar cierta información sobre la idoneidad de los maestros de mi hijo(a) que la ley federal exige que proporcionen los distritos escolares. Mi hijo(a) se llama, su fecha de nacimiento es. Entiendo que, con el fin de proteger mejor el derecho a la confidencialidad de mi hijo(a), la escuela puede solicitar constancia de que soy el padre, la madre o el tutor legal del (de la) estudiante. También entiendo que esta solicitud puede demorar diez (10) días o más para procesar y se pondrá a mi disposición en la escuela durante el horario laborable regular ( a.m. a p.m.) o se enviará por correo a la dirección que consta en los archivos como la residencia legal de los estudiantes que son transportados desde la escuela de su vecindario. [Firma del padre, la madre o el tutor] [Dirección] [Ciudad, estado, código postal] [Número de teléfono] [Fecha]
LOS ANGELES UNIFED SCHOOL DISTRICT ATTACHMENT C (Optional) [Acknowledgement Letter to Parents-Right-to-Know Request] Dear Parent or Guardian: Thank you for requesting information about your child s teacher(s). The Los Angeles Unified School District welcomes community involvement in its schools and is committed to providing the best instructional service possible. The school is currently processing your request in order to ensure that you receive accurate information about your child s teacher. School staff will contact you as soon as this information is available. Site Principal [Name of school]
DISTRITO ESCOLAR UNIFICADO DE LOS ANGELES Recursos Humanos Guia de Referencia Núm.-1408 ATTACHMENT C 14 de febrero de 2005 (Optional) [Acuse de recibo de la carta de solicitud relacionada con el derecho a la información de los padres] Estimado padre, madre o tutor: Gracias por solicitar información sobre los maestros de su hijo(a). El Distrito Escolar Unificado de Los Ángeles agradece la participación de la comunidad en sus escuelas y tiene el compromiso de ofrecer la mejor instrucción posible. El Distrito está recopilando datos actualmente con el fin de garantizar que usted reciba información precisa sobre el maestro de su hijo(a). El personal escolar tramitará su solicitud y se comunicará con usted cuando dicha información esté disponible en la escuela. Director(a) de la escuela [Nombre de la escuela]
LOS ANGELES UNIFED SCHOOL DISTRICT ATTACHMENT D Elementary LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT <SCHOOL NAME> <SCHOOL ADDRESS> <CITY, STATE, ZIP> <DATE> Dear Parent or Guardian of: <Student Name> The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) provides parents or guardians of students in Title I schools the opportunity to request information regarding the qualifications of their child s teacher (s). Recently, you requested information regarding the qualifications of your child s teacher (s). Under NCLB, a parent or guardian can receive information regarding a teacher s credentials, degrees and majors. Listed below are the qualifications of your child s teacher(s). Teacher Status Degree Major Credential For more information regarding NCLB provisions, please visit: www.ed.gov/nclb. Thank you for your inquiry and your continued participation in your child s education. Site Principal or Designee Signature
LOS ANGELES UNIFED SCHOOL DISTRICT ATTACHMENT D Secondary LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT <SCHOOL NAME> <SCHOOL ADDRESS> <CITY, STATE, ZIP> <DATE> Dear Parent or Guardian of: <Student Name> The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) provides parents or guardians of students in Title I schools the opportunity to request information regarding the qualifications of their child s teacher (s). Recently, you requested information regarding the qualifications of your child s teacher (s). Under NCLB, a parent or guardian can receive information regarding a teacher s credentials, degrees and majors. Listed below are the qualifications of your child s teacher(s). Teacher Period Class Status Degree Major Credential For more information regarding NCLB provisions, please visit: www.ed.gov/nclb. Thank you for your inquiry and your continued participation in your child s education. Site Principal or Designee Signature
ATTACHMENT E No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, HR.1 (NCLB) Principal Certification Form 2004-2005 School Year School Name Location Code As required by federal requirements of H.R. 1, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) Section 1119, school site principals must annually certify in writing as to whether their school s teachers and paraprofessionals are in compliance with NCLB requirements. Each school operating a Title 1 Program is required to maintain this form on file and the information must be made available to any member of the general public upon request. 1. I certify that during the 2004-05 school year, all teachers and paraprofessionals are in compliance with NCLB. 2. I certify that during the 2004-05 school year, teachers and paraprofessionals are working towards full compliance with NCLB requirements. It is expected that all teachers will be in compliance by the end of the 2005-06 school year. Principal Name Date Principal Signature Send original by March 25, 2005 to Specially Funded Programs, Grand Plaza Suites 701 West Cesar Chavez Avenue, Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90012
ATTACHMENT F CALIFORNIA HOUSSE Elementary Not New Teachers (100 points verifies subject matter competence) Experience in teaching core area: 10 points per year (max of 50 points) 18 semester units in four core areas: 50 points National Board Certification: Advanced degree: teaching/curriculum/assess: Observations (On-line Stull Process): Standards Aligned Professional Development: Leadership and Service: 60 points 60 points 20 points per observation 20 hours = 10 points 1 year = 30 points
ATTACHMENT G CALIFORNIA HOUSSE Middle and Senior High Not New Teachers (100 points verifies subject matter competence) Experience in teaching core subject: CCTC Supplementary Authorization: Units in core subject National Board Certification in subject: Advanced degree: teaching/curriculum/assess: Observations (On-line Stull Process): Standards Aligned Professional Development: Leadership and Service: 10 points per year (max of 50 points) 50 points 30 or 50 points 100 points 60 points 20 points per observation 20 hours = 10 points 1 year = 30 points
Reference Guide No. REF- 1408 ATTACHMENT H Definition of a Highly Qualified Elementary Teacher Not New (Status before July 1, 2002) New (Status on or after July 1, 2002) Elementary Teacher Is enrolled in an approved intern program for less than three years or holds a credential and meets one of the requirements below. Elementary Teacher Is enrolled in an approved intern program for less than three years or holds a credential and 1. Has passed a subject matter examination has passed a subject matter examination certified by the California Commission certified by the California Commission on on Teacher Credentialing, CCTC, Teacher Credentialing, CCTC, (i.e., CSET.) (i.e., CSET) or 2. Demonstrates subject matter competence via the High Objective Uniform State Standard of Evaluation (HOUSSE) process.
Reference Guide No. REF- 1408-2 - ATTACHMENT H Definition of a Highly Qualified Middle or Senior High School Teacher Not New (Status before July 1, 2002) New (Status on or after July 1, 2002) Middle or Senior High School Teacher Middle or Senior High School Teacher Is enrolled in an approved intern program for less than three years or holds a full credential and meets one of the requirements below for every core subject currently assigned. Is enrolled in an approved intern program for less than three years or holds a full credential and meets one of the requirements below for every core subject currently assigned. 1. Passed a subject matter examination 1. Passed a subject matter examination certified by the CCTC (i.e., CSET,) certified by the CCTC (i.e., CSET,) or or 2. Completed a university subject matter 2. Completed a university subject matter program approved by the CCTC or program approved by the CCTC or 3. Holds an undergraduate major in the 3. Holds an undergraduate major in the subject taught or subject taught or 4. Holds a graduate degree in the subject 4. Holds a graduate degree in the subject taught or taught or 5. Holds a coursework equivalent to an 5. Holds a coursework equivalent to an undergraduate major or undergraduate major. 6. Holds National Board Certification (NBC) in the subject taught or 7. Demonstrates subject matter competence via the High Objective Uniform State Standard of Evaluation (HOUSSE) process.
ATTACHMENT I Teacher Definitions for NCLB Requirements Teacher not new to the profession is one who has graduated from an accredited institution of higher education and has received a credential, or was enrolled in, or completed an approved intern program before July 1, 2002, (Section 6100.) Teacher new to the profession is one who has graduated from an accredited institution of higher education and has received a credential, or begun an approved intern program on or after July 1, 2002, (Section 6100.) The NCLB Act includes requirements that all teachers of core academic subjects must meet. Core academic subjects include English, reading, language arts, math, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts, history and geography, (NCLB Section 9101.) The High Objective Uniform State Standard of Evaluation (HOUSSE) process is one that assesses the teacher s subject matter competence. It is only utilized for not new teachers. Notes NCLB requirements pertain to all teachers who teach core academic subjects in Title I schools (School Wide Programs) and any teachers funded by Title I monies in Targeted Assistance Programs. By the end of the 2005-06 school year all teachers in all schools in the District who teach core academic subjects must be designated as highly qualified. All local authorizations (Board Permits, Middle School Authorizations, and Committee on Assignments) are no longer sufficient for compliance with NCLB. The only supplemental authorizations that may be in compliance are those that are based upon a major or its equivalent (32 units). If teachers who are not new hold these authorizations, they may be designated as NCLB compliant using the HOUSSE process. Pre Intern Certificates, Emergency Permits, and waivers will not be in compliance with NCLB.
- 2 - ATTACHMENT I The determination of what requirements a middle school teacher should hold will depend upon the manner in which the curriculum is being delivered. Thus, if a teacher instructs multiple subjects in a core assignment, their assignment could be considered elementary in nature and could adhere to the elementary highly qualified definition. However, if the instructional configuration is one that is departmentalized, then the teacher should adhere to the secondary highly qualified definition. All new teachers who received a multiple subjects credential or Intern Certificate on or after July 1, 2002 must pass the subject matter exam (now the CSET) in order to be in compliance, even though they may not have needed this exam for their credential. The District will be working with these individuals to assist them in preparing for the CSET exam. Teachers are encouraged to avail themselves of test preparation by visiting the web site at www.teachinla.com/preintern. The State Board of Education has now included special education in all core academic subject areas in the regulations. Thus, special education teachers responsible for these subject areas must be designated as highly qualified in accord with the federal legislation. More information will be forthcoming with the federal interpretation of I.D.E.A., particularly at the secondary level. Current teachers who meet the not new criteria may be deemed highly qualified via the HOUSSE process. The evaluation of subject matter competence may encompass a combination of experience and assessment of knowledge of the State Content Standards for the grades and subjects taught and the California Standards for the Teaching Profession. This process developed at the state level now can be linked to the Stull. This evaluation will be a one-time process unless the teacher changes subject areas. This process will greatly ease the means for ensuring that your not new staff are designated as highly qualified. It is important to be aware that the State Board of Education and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing are still in the process of clarifying certain components of the NCLB requirements. As these details become available, they will be shared district wide.