Do the Highly Qualified Teachers Credentialing Requirements for ELs also apply to Teachers from Abroad?
Yes. Out-of-state and foreign nationals must fully meet the Highly Qualified Credentialing Requirements. Foreign nationals have one year to pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test. During the first year in California they are considered highly qualified if they are eligible and apply for any of the approved California Commission on Teacher Credentialing credentials. Federal law requires that J-1 visa exchange visitors return to their home country after three years. During the first year in California, foreign nationals may obtain the emergency BCLAD authorization to work with ELs in regular classroom settings and some special education assignments. Since most of the teachers are “not new” to the profession, they benefit from the High Objective Uniform State Standards of Evaluation (HOUSSE) options. HOUSSE options, as currently established, are effective until June 30, 2007. For more information regarding Highly Qualified Teachers Credentialing Requirements and HOUSSE, visit h
