IL HB0401

Charter schools must employ individuals in instructional positions, paraprofessional, and school-related personnel who are State-certified and highly qualified as defined by the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

Charter schools may employ individuals without state certification in instructional positions if they hold a bachelor's degree, have 5 years of employment experience in a related field, pass required skill and subject matter tests, and demonstrate professional growth.

Charter schools operating in cities with populations exceeding 500,000 are exempt from annual caps on alternative certification program participants, with alternative teaching certificates valid for 4 years or the length of the charter, whichever is longer.

Non-certificated staff may be employed in non-instructional positions at charter schools.

The State Mandates Act is amended to require implementation of this mandate without state reimbursement, effective August 15, 2009.