A dispute between Utah and the U.S. Department of Education over the qualifications of the state鈥檚 veteran elementary and early-childhood teachers has been settled.
Last week, federal education officials announced that 8,500 Utah teachers in that category were considered 鈥渉ighly qualified鈥� under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, said Ray Timothy, Utah鈥檚 associate superintendent of education.
In November, federal officials said the state鈥檚 teacher-quality standards were not stringent enough, rendering many certified elementary and early-childhood teachers not 鈥渉ighly qualified鈥� under the law. But, after a series of clarifications and discussions, federal officials were satisfied with Utah鈥檚 teacher requirements, Mr. Timothy said.
Susan Aspey, a spokeswoman for the Education Department, said the agency worked with Utah to provide guidance on what the law requires to aid state officials in developing a plan to help veteran teachers meet the standards for becoming highly qualified under the federal law.
Utah Gov. Jon M. Huntsman Jr. said Feb. 23 the matter had been resolved: 鈥淭he approval received today will recognize the superior quality of teaching which is delivered in the classrooms throughout our state.鈥�
Following similar negotiations involving North Dakota teachers, federal officials also approved that state鈥檚 teacher-certification program.
