Title II, Part A, increases student achievement by elevating teacher and principal quality through recruitment, hiring, and retention strategies. The program uses scientifically based professional development interventions and holds districts and schools accountable for improvements in student academic performance. This program was created because research shows that teacher quality is correlated with student academic achievement (Sanders and Rivers, 1996). Because each community may face a variety of challenges with respect to teacher quality, this program allows funds to be used for a wide array of interventions.

Additional information can be found on the Georgia Department of Education's website: CLICK HERE

Under Title II-A, states are responsible for reforming teacher licensure and certification, alternative certification, teacher testing for subject matter knowledge, and assisting teachers in becoming "professionally qualified." The goal of the program is to raise student achievement in the academic subjects.

Professionally Qualified means that the teacher holds a degree in the field in which they are teaching, according to state and federal government requirements.