New Requirements for Paraprofessionals

Existing Paraprofessionals (Hired Prior to January 8, 2002)
All paraprofessionals hired before the date of enactment of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (January 8, 2002), and working in a program supported with Title 1 funds must meet one of the following three requirements no later than 4 years after the date of enactment (by January 8, 2006):

• Completed at least 2 years of study (48 semester hours) at an institution of higher education, OR
• Obtain an associates (or higher) degree, OR
• Meet a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal state of local academic assessment, knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics; or reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness.

Exceptions
These requirements do not apply to a paraprofessional who is proficient in English and a language other than English and who provides services primarily to enhance the participation of children in programs under this part by acting as a translator; or whose duties consist solely of conducting parental involvement activities.

General Requirement for All Paraprofessionals
All paraprofessionals working in a program supported with Title 1 funds must have earned a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, regardless of the paraprofessionals' hiring date.

Use of Funds
Local educational agencies receiving Title 1 funds may use such funds to support ongoing training and professional development to assist paraprofessionals in satisfying these requirements.

New Criteria for Type of Work that May be Assigned to Paraprofessionals

• Provide one-on-one tutoring for eligible students, if the tutoring is scheduled at a time when a student would not otherwise receive instruction from a teacher.
• Assist with classroom management, such as organizing instructional and other materials
• Provide assistance in a computer laboratory
• Conduct parental involvement activities
• Provide support in a library or media center
• Act as a translator
• Provide instructional services to students under the direct supervision of teacher

What This Means To You
If you are a paraprofessional who needs to obtain an associate's degree by January 8, 2006, it is critical that you start now. For more information please contact:
  Joan Patterson
  Certification Section
  Utah State Office of Education
  250 East 500 South
  PO Box 144200
  Salt Lake City, UT  84114-4200
  (801) 538-7776 office
  jpatters@usoe.k12.ut.us

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