NCLB-Highly Qualified
And
ECS
All teachers who teach or are qualified to teach NCLB core academic subjects (English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign language, civics, government, economics, arts, history, geography) should log on to the new ECS system and check their NCLB Highly Qualified status. It is very important you do this soon. You will no longer be able to add areas by using HOUSSE after Oct. 31. After Oct. 31 the only ways you can be Highly Qualified for No Child Left Behind is to have a 32 hour major in the subject, pass a certification content area test, have an advance degree in the subject area, or earn a NBPTS Masters Certificate in the subject area.
Go to www.isbe.net,
Click on “ECS” in upper left corner,
Click “click here to access ECS.”
You will now need to log on to the ECS system. You have three options:
1. If you already have an OTIS login and password it is your ECS login and password. Use them.
2. If you had an OTIS login and password, but forgot it go to “Reset Account.”
3. If you had no OTIS login and password and this is your first time on ECS go to “Create New Account” and follow the steps.
Click the options “You can now update your NCLB subject areas online (HOUSSE).”
It will show any areas where you already meet NCLB subject area Highly Qualified status as a result of tests or majors. Please be aware it may list areas you are not qualified to teach in Illinois. You need to be sure you are listed as Highly Qualified in areas you are qualified (certified) to teach in Illinois.
If it does not list all core content subject areas you are qualified to teach as NCLB Highly Qualified and you have at least one year of teaching experience in the content area, you can use HOUSSE to reach the Highly Qualified status. You can use the IFT or IEA worksheets (linked from ECS) to determine Highly Qualified under HOUSSE.
If you determine you are Highly Qualified in other areas by using HOUSSE, you need to enter those areas on the ECS system.
Click on “Apply For New Highly Qualified Subject Area (HOUSSE).
Follow the steps. The system may not list the subject area exactly as you want. Select the closest option.