Student Handbook 2018-19

ANNUAL NOTIFICATION TO STUDENTS/PARENTS REGARDING THE ESSA “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. The terms “highly qualified teacher” and “highly qualified paraprofessional” were eliminated as of August 1, 2016. As such, starting with the 2016-2017 school year, “highly qualified” data was no longer collected or reported, nor calculations made related to percentages of classes being taught by highly qualified teachers. However, under the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA) and §22.1-298.1 of the Code of Virginia, students must still be taught by teachers who are properly licensed and endorsed for the classes they are assigned to teach. These data will continue to be collected through the Master Schedule Collection (MSC) and Instructional Personnel and Licensure Report (IPAL). Ninety eight point forty-two percent (98.42%) of all teachers employed by Carroll County Public Schools were regarded as “highly qualified” during the 2017-2018 school year. Carroll County Public Schools are 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 Carroll County Public Schools 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

58