FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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    STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
    John L. Winn
    Commissioner of Education
    F. PHILIP HANDY,
    Chairman
    T. WILLARD FAIR,
    Vice Chairman
    Members
    DONNA G. CALLAWAY
    ROBERTO MARTÍNEZ
    PHOEBE RAULERSON
    KATHLEEN SHANAHAN
    LINDA K. TAYLOR
    MEMORANDUM
    Contact Information:
    TO:
    District School Superintendents
    Name: Lezlie Cline
    District School Certification Contacts
    Evy Friend
    Phone: 850-245-0478
    FROM:
    Cheri Pierson Yecke, Ph.D.
    Email: lezlie.cline@fldoe.org
    evy.friend@fldoe.org
    DATE:
    April 20, 2006
    K12: 2006-54
    SUBJECT:
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    Questions and Answers Regarding Highly Qualified Teacher Requirements for
    Exceptional Student Education Teachers
    To increase the supply of highly effective teachers, the U.S. Department of Education requires that only
    teachers who have met the highly qualified requirements be allowed to teach core academic
    subjects. A
    state’s definition of a highly qualified teacher (HQT) must be consistent with the No Child Left Behind
    (NCLB) Act and the 2004 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
    Exceptional student education (ESE) teachers who deliver direct instruction to students with disabilities in
    core academic subject areas as defined by NCLB must meet the appropriate state special education
    certification requirements for the grade level and exceptionality of the students being taught, in addition
    to meeting the same standard for subject matter competency to be highly qualified.
    The Florida Department of Education is providing the following questions and answers document to
    assist school district personnel in implementing the highly qualified requirements for ESE teachers.
    Teachers who need assistance should first contact their district personnel. For additional questions, you
    may contact Lezlie Cline or Evy Friend by telephone at 850-245-0478, or by electronic mail at
    lezlie.cline@fldoe.org or evy.friend@fldoe.org.
    CPY/lct
    Attachments
    cc:
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    Exceptional Student Education Directors
    Personnel Directors
    CHERI PIERSON YECKE, PH.D.
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    CHANCELLOR, K-12 PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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    325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 514 • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-0509 • www.fldoe.org

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