What is the definition of a “highly qualified teacher” (HQT)?
The “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001” (NCLB) along with the Alabama Model for Identifying Highly Qualified Teachers requires all teachers in core areas to be “highly qualified” by 2006. Core areas are defined as elementary, English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts, history and geography. For elementary (K – 6th grade), a teacher designated as HQT must have a valid teaching certificate in the teaching level and one of the following: • Hold a masters degree or higher in the area of certification • 12 semester hours from an accredited college/university in each of the four core areas (English, math, science and social studies) • HOUSSE (Highly Objective Uniform State Standard Option for Evaluation) Portfolio approved by the Alabama State Department of Education. HOUSSE measured academic activities, professional development activities, professional achievements and years of service • Passed the Praxis II in the area
