6.34.2.8

FLEXIBILITY FOR RURAL SCHOOLS

1. A. Unless otherwise prohibited by federal law or regulation, school districts meeting the definition of rural LEA and currently employing teachers who teach multiple subjects but do not meet all the criteria for a highly qualified teacher in each of the core academic subjects they teach may have until the end of the 2006-2007 school year for these teachers to be highly qualified in each subject that they teach.
2. B. Newly hired teachers in school districts meeting the definition of rural LEA will have three years from the date of hire to become highly qualified in each core academic subject that they teach.

3. C. School districts using the flexibility described in subsections A and B of the section must:

   (1) ensure that all teachers in core academic areas are highly qualified in at least one core academic subject they teach;

   (2) provide high-quality professional development that increases the teachers’ content knowledge in the additional subjects they teach; and

   (3) provide mentoring or a program of intensive supervision that consists of structured guidance and regular, ongoing support so that they become highly qualified in the additional core academic subject(s) they teach.

[6.34.2.8 NMAC - N, 08-31-06]