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Abstract

Recruiting and retaining “highly qualified” special education teachers (HQT) is of paramount concern for school districts across the country, particularly in a field with persistent teacher shortages (Boe & Cook, 2006). However, the effects of this mandate on special education, and rural special education in particular, remain unknown (McLeskey & Billingsley, 2008). The goals of this project were to determine how the HQT mandate was affecting rural and non-rural schools and how university and school personnel are attempting to meet the HQT requirement in the state of Ohio. The project involved surveying representatives from groups of key stakeholders in Ohio. Major facets of the survey included awareness, measures taken to ensure HQT status, and overall impact. Results suggested that few major efforts are being undertaken and that few major effects are expected. Recommendations include the need for better flow of communication and clarification of the roles of various systems in ensuring compliance.

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Impact of No Child Left Behind's Highly Qualified Requirements on Both Rural and Non-Rural Schools in Ohio

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