Qualification for Paraprofessionals

Any paraprofessional hired after January 8, 2002, and working in a Title I, Part A program must have a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent (GED) and meet one of the following qualifications:

• completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education;

• obtained an associate’s (or higher) degree; or

• 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 knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.

Exception: These qualifications do not apply to a paraprofessional whose primary responsibility is to serve as a translator or whose duties consist solely of conducting parental involvement activities under Title I, Part A. All paraprofessionals hired by the district before January 8, 2002, and working in a Title I, Part A Program must have a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent (GED) and, not later than four years after the date of enactment (January 8, 2002), meet the qualifications listed above.