The Obama administration is seeking yet another yearlong extension of language allowing teachers still in training to be considered “highly qualified” under the No Child Left Behind Act.
The law requires all teachers of core academic subjects to have state credentials and a bachelor’s degree, and to demonstrate subject-matter competency. But since 2011, Congress has allowed teachers in alternative-preparation programs to be considered highly qualified. Critics consider that a major loophole in the law.
In its request, the administration argues that without the extension, alternative programs might not supply as many teachers.
