• ETS has released the 2009 - 2010 paper based tests dates for TExES / ExCET, TOPT, and TASC  exams.  ETS is reducing the number of paper based test dates to encourage more people to take computer based tests.  Computer based tests are offered more frequently and exam results can be seen within 7 to 14 days after testing.  Exams that are offered as computer based tests can be seen by visiting the ETS website.
• Educators wishing to obtain certificates based on ExCET exams for All-Level Art PK-12 and Secondary Art 6-12, regardless of the route to certification, must meet all certification requirements by August 31, 2009.  Candidates who complete all requirements on or before August 31, 2009 must apply online and be recommended by a Texas educator preparation program (if appropriate) no later than October 30, 2009. These deadlines will be strictly enforced.  These ExCET exams are being replaced with new TExES exams.  Persons applying or being recommended after October 30, 2009 will not be eligible for these certificates, and will need to meet requirements for one of the new standards-based certificates and pass the appropriate new Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES). 

Certification Exams
Every person seeking educator certification in Texas is required to pass comprehensive examinations to ensure that each educator has the prerequisite content and professional knowledge necessary for an entry-level position in Texas public schools. These examinations are called TExES exams. To find out more information about TExES exams and to register, go to www.texes.ets.org. 

No Child Left Behind
NCLB requires school districts to have a plan for all teachers in core academic subject areas to become “highly qualified” by the end of the 2006-2007 school year. Teachers hired after the first day of instruction of the 2002-2003 school year who teach core academic subjects in a Title 1, Part A program must be “highly qualified” when hired.

“Highly Qualified” means that the teacher:

• Has obtained full State certification as a teacher or has passed the State teacher licensing examination and holds a license to teach in the State;
• Holds a bachelor’s degree at a minimum;
• Has demonstrated subject area competence in each of the core academic subjects in which the teacher teaches.

USDE rule 34 DFR 200.55(c) defines the core academic subjects as English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts (fine arts), history and geography.

To find out more information about NCLB, go to www.tea.state.tx.us/nclb.