By Denise Jennex
On January 8, 2002, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act was signed into law. This Act, also known as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, is the most sweeping reform of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act since ESEA was enacted in 1965. ESEA is the legislation that defines the role to be played by the federal government in the funding and day-to-day operation of local K-12 schools. Congress re-authorizes ESEA every five to six years. The impact of this re-authorization will be felt for many years to come
The three areas of greatest concern in ESEA are testing, accountability and teacher quality. ESEA requires all students to be proficient in math and reading within the next twelve years. In order to accomplish this goal, all students in grades 3-8 are required to be tested and make what is called “Adequate Yearly Progress” (AYP). Although a system of assessment has not been clearly defined, a school’s failure to make their AYP over a number of years will result in corrective actions at that site.
One of the most controversial aspects of the ESEA is the new requirement regarding teacher qualifications. The new law requires all newly hired teachers in Title I programs to be “highly qualified.” By 2005-2006, ALL existing teachers within a district will also be required to meet the “highly qualified” definition. In May the California State Board of Education agreed on a definition of “highly qualified” that would include all California fully credentialed teachers, pre-interns and interns. The only exceptions are those teachers that are misassigned or are on a credential waiver. At this time California is waiting for the federal government to approve or reject this definition.
For the current school year (2002-03), ESEA establishes new parental notification requirements. District wide, all parents must be informed that they have a right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of their child’s teacher. This includes whether the teacher has met the state credential or license criteria for grade level and subject matter taught, as well as any college and graduate degree(s) held.
In addition, in Title I schools, parents must be notified if their child is taught by or assigned to a teacher who is not “highly qualified” for four consecutive weeks.
I will continue to monitor and keep you informed of changes or new development throughout the year as the state and the District implement the new Elementary and Secondary Education Act.