Highly Qualified Status for Physical Education
 

Highly Qualified status for physical education and health teachers has finally made it to the ISBE Rules Committee.  The Rules Committee is looking for feedback on the proposed language.  The link http://www.isbe.net/rules/proposed/default.htm will take to you page with the proposed rules.  Scroll to Proposed Amendments for Part 25 (Educator Licensure) for the exact language.  Comments are being accepted through July 13th.

 

Below is a sample letter that you may use to send to the ISBE electronically.  The email address is [email protected]. 

 

Please take a moment or two and add submit your comments to the Rules Committee
  Sample letter for ISBE Rules Committee

To:[email protected]

 

Subject:  Part 25 (Educator Licensure):  Addresses changes necessitated by a number of public acts, modifies requirements for certain educator endorsements, and sets criteria for physical education and health education teachers to be considered "highly qualified."

Public Comment period ends July 13, 2015.


 

I highly recommend that ISBE take action to adopt the proposed amendment to Part 25 related to "Highly Qualified" status for Physical Education and Health Teachers.   

 

Physical Education and Health Teachers

  • Hold a full teaching certificate
  • Hold a bachelor's degree
  • Demonstrates competence in subject area they teach
  • Are held to the same evaluation standard as all other "core academic" teachers
  • States have the option to define the subject areas that are eligible for highly qualified status.
  • National Board Certified Teachers will have the opportunity to become highly qualified in Illinois.
  • Given what know about the relationship between physical activity, academic learning (cognition), behavior and health it make senses to have a highly qualified teacher, responsible for physical education instruction.

Physical education and health education should be taught by teachers who have been trained in physical education and health knowledge, concepts and strategies, just as other academic subjects are being taught by a professional trained in those academic subjects.

Thank you for your support of adoption of the Propose Rules Amendment to Part 25 (Educator Licensure)

 

Sincerely,

Your name First and Last

Your home email

Your home address