Meeting Highly Qualified
State Requirements


The PD/HR Department has learned that the Michigan Test for Teacher
Certification (MTTC) elementary test is not an option for secondary
special education teachers in fulfilling the 'highly qualified' requirement.

The federal auditors told the state that it would not be allowed. We will be working with the Michigan Department of Education for more definitive answers, solutions and responses. Dr. Frank Ciloski at the MDE indicated that the state will be sending out a letter this week. I will forward information as soon as I receive it.

Dr. Ciloski said that teachers will have until June 30, 2009 to meet the HQ requirement via the other options. We will be working with the state regarding these options. However, you need to be aware that districts may be pressuring these teachers to meet the requirement sooner.

Districts are asking secondary special education teachers to sign a document (Official Michigan Highly Qualified Secondary Special Education Teacher Report) as to how they have met the highly qualified option. They cannot sign the document if they have used the MTTC elementary test to demonstrate the HQT status.

Linda Keway, Ed.D.
Consultant
Michigan Education Association
Professional Development/Human Rights Department
1216 Kendale Blvd., P.O. Box 2573
East Lansing, MI  48826-2573
800/292-1934; 517/332-6551, ext. 6217
Fax: 517/336-4013