Qualifications of Instructional Paraprofessionals
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All instructional paraprofessionals hired by the district must be �highly qualified,� meeting the qualifications set forth below. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS OF INSTRUCTIONAL PARAPROFESSIONALS

 

Every instructional paraprofessional hired by the district, on or after January 8, 2002, must possess the following qualifications: 

 

1.                  High school diploma or a recognized equivalent; and

bulletAssociate�s or higher post-secondary degree, or
bulletCompleted two (2) years of study at an institution of higher education, to include a minimum of 32 semester credits in core areas of math, science, social studies, and language arts/communications; or
bulletReceive a passing score of 460 or higher on the ETS Parapro Assessment.

REQUIRED TRAINING AND EVALUATION FOR ALL INSTRUCTIONAL PARAPROFESSIONALS

The district will train and evaluate all paraprofessionals relative to their job performance based on the 2002 Idaho Paraprofessional Standards and Competencies.  If hired prior to January 8, 2002, Title I paraprofessionals must meet the state Competencies by the end of the 2006 school year. 

The district must develop and implement a written plan for Title I paraprofessionals hired after the deadline or those working in special education (except those in a Title I school-wide building) to meet the state Competencies within three (3) years of the date of hire.

All instructional paraprofessionals who were employed by the district before January 8, 2002, must meet the above-described qualifications on or before January 8, 2006.  In the event an employee does not meet the qualifications, he or she will be discharged from employment or reassigned.

EXCEPTION FOR NON-INSTRUCTIONAL PARAPROFESSIONALS

 

The requirements set forth in this policy do not apply to non-instructional paraprofessionals, including, but not limited to, providing technical support for computers, providing personal care services or clerical duties.  Additionally, the qualifications do not apply to staff members who primarily work as translators and are proficient in English and another language, or have instructional support duties that consist solely of conducting parental involvement activities. 

 

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LEGAL REFERENCE:

20 USC 6319

34 CFR 200.58

State Department of Education Guidelines at www.sde.state.id.us/sasa/law-paraed

 

ADOPTED:   May 13, 2003

AMENDED:  December 13, 2005