Overview
Hired after January 8, 2002
NCLB requires that paraeducators hired by a district meet one of the following qualifications if the paraeducator will perform instructional duties in a Title I, Part A program or works on a Title I campus:
"have completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education; or
"have obtained an associate's (or higher) degree;
or
"have met a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment--knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics; or knwledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.
Paraeducator duties may include:
- provide one-to-one tutoring, if the tutoring is scheduled at a time the student would not otherwise receive instruction from a teacher;
- assist in classroom management;
- assist in computer instruction;
- conduct parental involvement activities;
- provide instructional support in a library or media center;
- act as a translator; and
- provide instructional support services
Exception: These paraeducator qualifications do not apply to a paraeducator whose primary responsibility is to serve as a translator or whose duties consist solely of conducting parental involvement activities under Title I, Part A.
Hired before January 8, 2002
Any paraeducator hired prior to January 8, 2002 will have until the end of the 2006 school year to meet the requirements.
A paraeducator works under the direct supervision of a teacher if the teacher prepares the lessons and plans the instructional support activities the paraeducator carries out, and evaluates the achievement of the students with whom the paraeducator is working with, and if the paraeducator works in close proximity with the teacher.
Paraeducators who have instructional support duties in the core academic areas and who are working in a Title I, Part A program must meet the "highly qualified" requirements. A paraeducator hired after January 8, 2002 must meet the requirements before being hired.
Contact Us:
Cindy Pierce , Consultant, Special Populations
972-348-1436, fax: 972-348-1437
cindy.pierce@region10.org