2017-2018 Student Handbook

ANNUAL NOTIFICATION TO STUDENTS/PARENTS REGARDING THE NCLB “HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHER” REQUIREMENT

Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) are proud of the quality instructional staff in our division. All of our core teachers are eligible for a Virginia teaching license. Our teachers regularly participate in professional development activities and periodically are evaluated to make sure that their skills remain at the highest possible level. In short, our dedicated teaching staff in our schools is committed to ensuring that quality instruction continues in our system. As you may know, a federal law known as the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) was recently enacted. Under the NCLB, certain teachers must meet a special statutory definition of “highly qualified” in order to teach in schools that receive federal funds. Teachers who were hired after the beginning of the 2002-2003 school year are required to meet this definition as of their date of hire. However these teachers have rich backgrounds and/or experiences in their academic content areas. Many provisional teachers have completed full teacher education programs at colleges and universities outside of Virginia and have achieved, or are eligible for a regular teaching license in those states. However, these teachers may need specific courses or tests that are prerequisites to obtaining a regular teaching license in Virginia. 100% of all teachers employed by Carroll County Public Schools were regarded as “highly qualified” during the 2011-2012 school year. NCLB requires CCPS to notify parents if a teacher does not meet the statutory definition of highly qualified and is teaching in this division. However, CCPS is asking each teacher to exceed this expectation and provide you with a biographical sketch of his or her credentials and/or specific credentials and/or certifications in their teaching area no later than thirty days after school starts. Most importantly, we want to say in the strongest terms possible that the CCPS are staffed with dedicated teachers providing your children with the best education possible. We greatly appreciate your continued support for our schools and invite you to contact the building principal if you have any questions or would like any additional information.

Division Superintendent

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