The Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965/reauthorized in 2001 as the No Child Left Behind Education Act (NCLB) set the important goal that all students be taught by a highly qualified teacher who holds at least a bachelor’s degree, has obtained full state certification, and has demonstrated knowledge in the core academic subjects he or she teachers. In addition, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 reinforced this goal by aligning the requirements for special education teachers with the NCLB requirements.

Arkansas Act 1373 of 2009 requires that each School District provide information about teacher qualifications to parents and patrons through multiple methods, including Website posting.

Under NCLB, the following content area teachers are required to be highly-qualified:

• English/Language Arts

• Reading

• Math

• Science

• Social Studies

• Foreign Language

• Fine Arts

98% of Des Arc Public School teachers are highly qualified in all areas of instruction.

A.C.A. 6-15-2202, District Website Requirements.