No Child Left Behind
Paraprofessional Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is a paraprofessional?
 The
law does not define a paraprofessional. However, the act does specify the
duties of paraprofessionals. These duties may include:
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Providing one-on-one tutoring for students if tutoring is provided at a time
when the student did not have access to a teacher;
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Assisting with classroom management;
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Conducting parental involvement activities;
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Providing support in library or media centers;
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Acting as a translator; or
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Providing instructional services to a student.
In the Anchorage School District, classroom aides, bilingual tutors, and Title I
teacher assistants perform most of these duties.
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How are paraprofessionals impacted by the legislation?
New
criteria for employment have been implemented for paraprofessionals.
Paraprofessionals in a local school district receiving money from Title I
federal programs will have to meet higher standards. These standards include
completion of two years of study at an institution of higher learning, or an
associate’s degree; or meeting a rigorous standard of quality and be able to
demonstrate, through a formal assessment, knowledge of and ability to assist in
reading, writing and mathematics instruction. New to district paraprofessionals
(those hired after 1/8/02) must meet these criteria prior to employment.
Paraprofessionals hired before 1/8/02 will have four years to complete the
requirements. Also, all paraprofessionals currently working in schools
supported by Title I funds must have a secondary high school diploma or GED.
Instruction must be provided under the direct supervision of a certificated
teacher.
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How can a person know if they are employed in a Title
I school?
The
individual should contact the school principal or federal program manager in
the central office.
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Are paraprofessionals employed in non-Title I schools affected by the
law?
The
requirements for two years of higher education, or an associate’s degree, or
successful completion of a formal assessment is not a requirement for
paraprofessionals in non-Title I schools under the No Child Left Behind Act.
However, each local educational agency (LEA) that receives Title I funds must
ensure that all paraprofessionals have a secondary high school diploma or its
equivalent. Moreover, a paraprofessional must work under the direct supervision
of a teacher who meets the definition of a highly qualified teacher.
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Are there any exceptions to the employment criteria for
paraprofessionals?
Yes.
The requirement for two years of study, or an associate’s degree, or completion
of a formal assessment applies to paraprofessionals involved with assisting
students in an instructional capacity. Paraprofessionals whose primary task is
to act as a translator or whose duties consist solely of conducting parental
involvement activities are excluded from the education or assessment
requirements.
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What is the district doing to provide training/education opportunities
for paraprofessionals?
The
district has formed a committee that is addressing training/education
requirements. A percent of the Title 1 funds have been set aside for this
purpose.
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Can a paraprofessional substitute years of experience or staff
development activities in lieu of education or degree requirements?
The
state is developing a test to assess knowledge and ability to assist in
instructing reading, writing, and mathematics. This is in line with federal
mandates.
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Can a local school system require that the same qualifications for
employment be extended to all paraprofessionals in the district?
This
can only occur through the collective bargaining process.
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Will additional funding be available to assist paraprofessionals in
meeting the requirements for employment?
Additional
funding will be made available through Title I. The law requires Title I
programs to set aside funds for training.
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What happens if someone was hired after January 8, 2002, without meeting
the requirements for employment?
The
district must demonstrate that it is actively providing assistance to any
paraprofessionals hired after 1/8/02 so they can earn "highly qualified"
status.
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Can a paraprofessional employed after January 8, 2002 be hired with the
understanding that they will meet the requirements before the start of the next
year?
No.
After Jan. 8, 2002, paraprofessionals applying for positions in schools
impacted by this law must meet the employment eligibility criteria prior to
being employed.
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