Title 7 Act- Children with disabilities?

Question

Do parents have a right to see the teachers Highly Qualified Teacher's credentials? If so, do you know where I can read that for myself??

Answer 1

To become a certified teacher in any given area there are classes a person must pass, a testing program, and a "practice teaching" or student teaching program.

Once a teacher is passes certification process by the state they can be hired by a school district.  It is up to the teacher at this point to continue his or her education either by taking classes, working on a degree or attending workshops that are related to his or her field.  Teacher's can go through a rigerous and expensive program to become national board certified, which means they can be certified in every state to teach.  

Each state has different qualifications and tests, and in some areas "highly qualified" teachers are difficult to find, so a teacher who has recieved certification in another area, works towards a temporary certification in a given field.  (example: before working in the area of special education, I had my cert. in elementary education and while in a special education class, I took classes and the praxis test to get certified in special ed.)

It is important to remember the school must make sure the teacher is qualified prior to hiring.  If you believe that the teacher is not working with your child to meet their needs, first discuss with the teacher what your expecations are.  Try to work it out there first. IF you feel the teacher is still not meeting your child's needs take it to the principal/ special education director  Many problems can be straightened out, but if not... then go to the board.

Answer 2

The school should have a meeting with you and give you a booklet stating your rights.  If they haven't, call and ask for one.  It will have just parts of the title but should list all websites and even give phone numbers.

Answer 3

It really depends on what you're looking for.  Do you have the right to ask what the teacher's certification is?  Yes.  Can you go through their college transcripts?  No.

Check your state's Department of Education web site or the federal Department of Education web site for exact wording and details.

Answer 4

I think you have the wrong act but if you check IDEA 2004 you can find a lot of answers.  You are not allowed to check teaching credentials from what I know.  But there are new guidelines teachers must follow in IDEA.   Whatever school your child goes to should allow them to get a free and appropriate public education in a least restrictive environment.  If they do not allow that then they are/will be breaking some serious laws.  Check out the website and hopefully that will give you some answers.  

http://www.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/ide...

Answer 5

If you have a difficulty with a teacher then looking at her credential is not going to solve it. If a teacher has been hired by the district she does have a credential she has too to work in the school. If you have a problem with a teacher concerning your child's special ed program then call an IEP.

Answer 6

Look at www.wrightslaw.com  at the federal special ed laws called IDEA.  THey have the exact laws that you can download. I'm not sure which section it's in, but at the end of these laws there is an alphabeticalized list that will help you find it.

Yes parents DO have this right and it's listed in this law.

Answer 7

I don't know. You can always ask the teacher if you can see it or call the district office. I believe the law you are referring to is IDEA, the Individuals with Disablities Education Act.

Answer 8

My guess would be yes. You should be able to access them through the open records act. I believe that this request needs to be in writing.