Frequently Asked Questions

What teachers have to be highly qualified?

Teachers, grades K-12 who teach core academic subjects must be highly qualified. The core academic subject areas are defined as English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science (biology, chemistry, earth schience, physics, and physical science), foreign languages (French, German, Latin and Spanish), civics and govermnet, economics, arts (visual arts and music), history and geography. There are some Career Technology Education (CTE) courses which fall into the category as well. If a CTE course may be substituted for a core course, then the teacher must be highly qualified in that core course. For example, if a student takes Marketing I in place of economics, the teacher must be highly qualified in Economics; if a student takes agriscience in place of physical science, the teacher must be highly qualified in biology or physical science.

What about Special Education teachers?
Guidelines for Special Education teachers were established in January, 2005. The requirements, as they effect Tipton County Special Education teachers are provided here.

When do teachers have to meet highly qualified status?
Teachers of core academic subjects newly hired after the first day of school in the 2002-03 school year to teach in a program supported by Title I funds (school-wide or targeted assistance), must meet the requirements upon employment.
Teachers of core academic subjects hired after the first day of school in the 2002-03 school year to teach in a school or program that is NOT supported by TItle I funds, must meet the requirements by the end of the 2005-06 school year.
Teachers of core academic subjects hired before the first day of school in the 2002-03 school year, regardless of whether they teach in a program supported by TItle I funds or not, must meet the requirements by the end of the 2005-06 school year. Therefore, all teachers of record of core academic subjects must document highly qualified status by the local opening day of the 2006-07 school year.
* The first day of school is defined as the first day that students reported based on the school system's calendar.

What PRAXIS test do I take to become highly qualified?
The current PRAXIS tests and scores for demonstrating subject area competency to meet highly qualified requirements for NCLB in Tennessee can be found here. A list of PRAXIS tests applicable by subject area is also available. For PRAXIS test dates and registration information go to the PRAXIS website.