No Child Left Behind

ACT Courses as part of a HOUSSE plan:
An emerging variable that dramatically distinguishes states’ definitions of “highly qualified teacher,” as mandated by the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001, is their approach to the “High Objective Uniform State Standard of Evaluation” (HOUSSE.)

The HOUSSE is used to evaluate an existing teacher’s subject-matter competency as an alternative to an examination, major, major equivalency, graduate degree or advanced certification in the core content area taught. ACT courses, offering semester course credits in specific subjects, may be used by teachers who are “not new” to the profession and have a High Objective Uniform State Standard of Evaluation (HOUSSE) option.

Teachers are encouraged to communicate with their principals and/or district Human Resources (Personnel) staff about including ACT courses as part of a HOUSSE plan.