| The numerous efforts to improve public education in the United States have occurred since its inception. This research examines one major component of the reform effort of the No Child Left Behind Act, that of hiring highly qualified high school special education teachers. In particular, high school special education teachers must be certified in all core academic areas in which they teach; special education teachers must show competency in any additional core subjects. Many special education teachers teach three or more different subjects in a day and according to NCLB standards they would eventually need to be certified in each of the academic core areas they teach.; This study examines how this mandate has impacted high school special education teachers and high school districts. High school special education teachers from three school districts in Maricopa County were surveyed and a focus group was conducted with teacher participants. Directors of special education, human resource directors, and two principals from each district were also interviewed.; The data analyzed indicates that the mandate will impact the retention and hiring of qualified high school special education teachers. Furthermore, it was also determined that due to this mandate, many school districts are making changes in how special education services are delivered. The study also demonstrates that school districts need to have more direct communication with special education teachers to let them know, individually, about their certification, the precise steps teachers need to take to become "highly qualified," and how the current teaching assignments will be effected.; Because individual certification plans need to be designed specifically for the individual special education teacher, it is recommended that school districts take steps to guide special education teachers in becoming "highly qualified." Assisting special education teachers with the financial burden of taking college courses to become "highly qualified" and providing them with opportunities to take necessary courses are two recommendations that school districts could use in hiring and retaining "highly qualified" special education high school teachers. |
