A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF THE HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHER REQUIREMENT OF NCLB ON THE ATTRITION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PERSONNEL

According to current research, attrition of teachers in public schools throughout the United States has become increasingly worrisome, especially since the passage and inception of No Child Left Behind (2001) as well as the reauthorization of Individuals with Disabilities Act (1997). This rate of attrition remains especially problematic in the area of special education. The primary focus of the study was to assess the effect of the Highly Qualified Requirement which was part of NCLB and IDEA on the attrition rate of special education service providers. Results indicate that during the ten years of the study, there was little to no change in the annual attrition rates; however, the attrition rate for Leavenworth County Special Education Cooperative was almost twice the state average. With the current special education teacher shortage problem, the existing attrition rates for LCSEC will no doubt lead to serious implications for students with disabilities. This study provides a clearer understanding of what issues primarily affect attrition. Using these guidelines, school districts and Leavenworth County Special Education Cooperative can take needed steps and develop strategies to work toward reducing attrition and increasing the retention of their teachers