Who are paraprofessionals? 

How does the new No Child Left Behind legislation impact them and their school? 

What about the "Test?"

How does a paraprofessional become "highly qualified?" 

Read more about it...

Frequently Asked Questions in pdf

A "Few Frequently Asked Questions about Paraprofessionals...

Q: What is a paraprofessional as defined by NCLB?
A: --Provides instructional support in a program supported by Title 1 funding...(School wide or Targeted Assistance)

Q: What are the new requirements for Title 1 paraprofessionals?
A: Para's must have:
--A high school diploma and one of the following:
--An Associates degree
--48 Semester hours of college work
--Pass a rigorous formal assessment that measures reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.

Q: When do Para's have to meet these requirements?
A: --New hires must meet them as they are hired.
--Existing paraprofessional hired before Jan. 8, 2002 have until Jan. 8, 2006 to meet the above requirements. High school diploma is required immediately for all para's.

Q: Can the two years of college or Associate degree work be in any field at all?
A: --No, Paraeducators should be able to demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing in the areas of reading, writing, and math. Paraeducators are expected to have a working knowledge of these academic areas.

Q: What test should our Para's take?
A: --A suitable test has not been decided on yet, but will soon be available. It will be a paper/pencil or online (Computer) test. It will cost $40 and take no more than 2.5 hours to complete. Online results will be available immediately at a cost of $60. The test is quite rigorous however, and exceeds the requirements of state testing requirements.

Q: Does a performance assessment mean a "paper and pencil test?" Could the assessment be a performance assessment?
A: --No, but the assessment must be validated and be reliable. Assessments results must be documented. a paper and pencil test is simple and straight forward if used properly. The state is investigating (with the help of several groups) a 'Portfolio Assessment".