Number: RL33333
Title: A Highly Qualified Teacher in Every Classroom: Implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act
Authors: Jeffrey J. Kuenzi, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: This report examines implementation of NCLB requirement and estimates the extent to which schools will achieve the goal of placing a highly qualified teacher in every classroom. After describing the highly qualified teacher requirement in detail, the report analyzes data from a national survey of schools that provide information on teacher qualifications and subjects taught. These data suggest that more than four out of five teachers would have met NCLB definition of a highly qualified teacher prior to the date of enactment. The analysis also reveals differences between highly qualified and underqualified teachers - both in terms of the teachers' characteristics and the characteristics of the schools in which they teach. The findings have important implications for future policy-making in the area of teacher quality. The report concludes with a discussion of issues that may be considered as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act reauthorization process unfolds. These provisions, along with the rest of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, will likely be considered for reauthorization by the 110th Congress.
Pages: 18
Date: January 28, 2008