In Every Core Class, A Qualified Teacher. . .

With one more year to go, federal officials are optimistic; others are far more dubious.

A year from now, every academic class must be headed by what is considered to be a “highly qualified” teacher. Federal officials say the vast majority of states are well on their way to that goal. Others, however, are skeptical the resources are there.

Only two weeks ago, U.S. Department of Education officials said all but four states could address shortcomings in their teacher-quality plans with revisions that would be due by the end of September. They singled out nine states for having plans that were complete and specific, and in need of few changes.

“We’re seeing some progress and want to make sure each of the states has a fully approvable plan in the near future,” said Henry L. Johnson, the assistant secretary for...