How are teachers designated “Highly Qualified?
To be designated “Highly Qualified,” new elementary and new special education teachers must pass a rigorous state test (currently PRAXIS II). Middle school, high school, and special subject teachers (e.g., art, music, second languages, etc.) can be designated “Highly Qualified” by passing a rigorous state test (currently PRAXIS II), or by having an academic major or the equivalent in the content area, or by having a graduate degree in the content area, or by having National Board Certification in the area. Up until April 2007, teachers who were not new to the profession could be designated “Highly Qualified” through the NC HOUSSE (High, Objective, Uniform, State-Standard of Evaluation). Teachers who have been designated “Highly Qualified” in other states are designated “Highly Qualified” in North Carolina.
