The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires that teachers and paraprofessionals are "highly qualified." by the end of the 2005-2006 school year, all teachers teaching core academic subjects (mathematics, reading or language arts, English, science, foreign language, civics and government, economics, art, history and georgraphy) and teachers hired after January 8, 2002 to teach in a Title I funded program, must be "highly qualified." This means the teacher has obtained full state certification. Individuals with an elementary certification who teach core academic subjects in seventh and eighth grades must obtain an additional certification in the core area they teach to be considered "highly qualified." Effective January 8, 2002, newly hired "highly qualified" paraprofessionals will need a high school diploma, and have completed two years of college or an associate degree or pass a state or local academic assessment. Paraprofessionals hired prior to January 8, 2002 must have met this requirement by January 8, 2006. Additionally, these requirements apply only to paraprofessionals who provide instructional support in Title I targeted assistance programs funded with Title I funds and all paraprofessionals providing services in a school wide Title I program. In the Marple Newtown School District, the only paraprofessionals affected are Title I Assistants. More information about Paraprofessionals can be found on the Paraprofessionals page.

Teacher Certification — The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires that all persons teaching or performing other certain educational duties to hold a valid certificate in their legal name from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. If you hold an Instructional I certificate, it expires after six years of use from its date of issue. If it is not converted to an Instructional II certificate, it will lapse. You cannot be employed in a Pennsylvania public school with a lapsed certificate. For more information, visit the PDE website at www.pde.state.pa.us or contact Human Resources. More detailed information about Teacher Certification can be found on the Teacher Certification page.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) — If you every want someone to talk to or want guidance or help, trained professionals are available to listen to your concerns and provide you with professional counseling assistance at a convenient location to your home or workplace. Your EAP is a free, confidential counseling and referral service designed to help you resolve problems affecting your personal and professional life. Call 1-888-321-4433.

Harassment Free Workplace — Marple Newtown School District is a workplace free from sexual harassment. This school district will not tolerate any written communicationi or verbal or physical behavior by administrators, supervisors, faculty, staff, employee, or students, that constitutes sexual harassment of an employee or student of the district. Contact your supervisor or Human Resources for more information or to file a complaint.

Parent Rights, NCLB — On January 8, 2002, President Bush signed into law the "No Child Left Behind Act" (NCLB). NCLB is designed to improve student achievement by increasing federal involvement in public education both at the state and local level. The Marple Newtown School District receives Title I funding and is covered under NCLB. Under NCLB, parents have a right to know the professional qualifications of their children's teacher(s), specifically, you have the right to ask for the following information about your child's classroom teachers or paraprofessionals:

• Whether the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has certified or qualified the teacher for the grades and subjects he or she teaches.
• Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency permit or other provisional status.
• The teacher’s college major, whether the teacher has any advanced degrees and, if so, the subject of the degrees.
• Whether any Title I Assistants or similar Title I supported paraprofessionals provides services to your child and, if they do, their qualifications. This requirement does not apply to paraprofessionals who do not work in Title I schools or those who work in targeted assistance schools but are not paid from Title I funds.

If you would like to receive specific information about your child's teacher or paraprofessional, please send a written request to the Human Resources office. If you have any questions contact Human Resources at 610-359-4380. Our district is fully committed to the success of your child. We appreciate your partnership in our efforts.