INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING THE ECS TO RECORD YOUR HQT STATUS

The Illinois State Board of Education's Educator's Certification System (ECS) is a web-based system that allows educators and district administrators access to certification data.

The ECS web site consists of two portals, or doorways, to certification data:  district administrators can view certification data that is considered public information, and educators can both view their files and perform functions such as submit statements of assurance, pay registration, apply for NCLB HOUSSE HQ status, etc.

Note:  Any existing OTIS login and password will be the same for the new ECS system.

Using ECS to Record HQT Status        

1.    Go to ISBE's homepage:  www.isbe.net

Establish and/or Enter your ECS Account

2.    Click on "ECS" located at the top, left-hand corner of the ISBE homepage

3.    Scroll down to select "Click here to Access ECS"

4.    If you have not set up your ECS account, follow the instructions to create a new account

5.    Log-on to ECS

Review your Pre-Determined HQT Status

6.    On your account summary page, select fromthe left column "My Credentials

7.    From the "Credential Options" page select "NCLB Credentials."  From this page you will see the subjects   for which ISBE was able to automatically determine your HQT status.  Please note:

•         These subjects do not necessarily relate to any area where 
          you have teaching experience or to your current teaching 
          assignment.
•         Since these subjects are determined using information 
          already submitted to the agency, you must not go through 
          the High Objective Uniform State Standard of
          Evaluation 
          (HOUSSE) method to add these subjects to your profile.
•         The subjects you see may indicate a grade level for which
          you do not hold proper certification.

Add New Students

8.    To now add a HOUSSE result, select "Enter Subject Area(s) for Which you are Highly Qualified (using the IFT or IEA HOUSSE worksheet)  (IFT is suggested.)

9.    Enter the results of your HOUSSE worksheet. If you have not gone through HOUSSE for a subject, you can do sonow by clicking the "IFT/IEA" link.  Please note:

•         You will need to complete a worksheet for each subject.
          You will not be able tocombine several subjects.  After
          completing the worksheet for a particular area, make sure
          to print so that you have proper file documentation.
•         If you are not currently employed as a teacher, to use the
          HOUSSE IFT/IEA worksheet you will have to respond
          as if you are employed at the grade level and subject of
          of your interest.

10.    After entering the results of your HOUSSE worksheet, indicate that you are the user and click "Next".

11.    You will be directed to a page that outlines the various means to become Highly Qualified.  If you have completed the HOUSSE process, click "Next".

12.    You will then be directed to a page listing the options districts use to complete the Teacher Service Record (TSR).  If you are uncertain how the TSR relates to your teaching assignments, click "Illinois Teaching History" to determine how your district reported you in the past.  To do this:

•       Click on the appropriate assignment
•       Click "Next"
•       Complete the affirmation
•       Click "Submit"

13.    Repeat the process for any other subjects for which you have HOUSSE results as reported on your IFT/IEA worksheet.

14.    Finally, to update your degrees, click "Degrees" under "My Credentials" and follow the instructions for adding pending degrees and submitting the evidence of work completed.