A teacher who has primary responsibility for teaching content in core academic subjects will be considered “highly qualified” if he or she holds a secondary, a special K-12, or, for Grade 9 only, an elementary certificate valid for the subjects taught and, for each core subject area of teaching responsibility:
a) has passed the relevant content-area test; or
b) has completed a major or coursework equivalent to a major; or
c) holds a master’s or higher degree in a field directly related to
the area of
assignment; or
d) holds NBPTS certification or an Illinois master certificate; or
e) qualifies with 100 points under the Illinois HOUSSE, if applicable.