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What It Means To Be Highly Qualified 
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A graphic of the gold standard, a symbol of the highest quality.In 2001, Congress passed the No Child Left Behind (NCLB).  The intent of the law was to close the gap between high- and low- performing children, especially the achievement gap between minority and non-minority children, and between disadvantaged children and their more advantaged peers.

The term “highly qualified teacher” (HQT) is found and defined in NCLB. It’s also found the 2004 reauthorization of the IDEA. What does the term actually mean? It’s important to know, because both these laws spell out the qualifications and skills that teachers must now have.

Use the links below to explore the meaning of the term highly qualified, especially for special educators, and to locate sources of assistance and more information.

How NCLB Defines "Highly Qualified"

The definition of HQT found in NCLB guides teacher qualifications around the country and served as the model for the HQT definition used in IDEA.

IDEA's Definition of "Highly Qualified"

IDEA now requires that the special educators who teach our children with disabilities meet standards of “highly qualified teachers,” a term it defines. Find out how---here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are six commonly asked questions about HQT, drawn from Module 7 of NICHCY's Building the Legacy training curriculum on IDEA 2004.


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NICHCY thanks our Project Officer, Dr. Judy L. Shanley, at the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), U.S. Department of Education.

Publication of this Web resource page is made possible through Cooperative Agreement #H326N030003 between the Academy for Educational Development and the Office of Special Education Programs of the U.S. Department of Education. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Education, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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