I don't agree with having to have an associates degree.

Unfortunately, it's not a question of whether it will be convenient for us or actually useful to us in our jobs. The fact is, we will have to meet the qualifications by the deadline. However, an associates degree is not the only way. You may pass a "rigorous" test, approved by your district or State Dep't of Ed. But, we are all still waiting to find out what the test will be. The States are working on their criteria, the unions are working with them in most states. In the end, I believe it will be good for us. It gives credibility to our profession, something that has been sadly lacking. It will also give us an opportunity to become something more than "the playground teacher". Hopefully, many of our younger collegues will use this as their first steps into becoming teachers. We are beginnning to hear about Career Ladder programs, designed to get us started on that path. I'm sure those of you who have been at this for a few years have noticed what I have, that children are coming to school with more needs than ever before. To be of any real help in the classroom, we need to increase our skills and understanding. So, try to look at this as an opportunity, rather than a burden placed just to make your life difficult. I know that sounds too simplistic, but I believe that when life hands you lemons, you just have to make lemonade! Nina B

Nina- I totally agree with your comments related to the NCLB and do not have alot to add other than stressing the importance of checking to see what your state is doing with the "rigorous" assessment requirement. I want to emphasize the fact that if you are already working in a school district as a Title 1 paraprofessional, you do not have to meet the requirements for another 3 1/2 years. States are just now trying to figure out what a "rigorous" assessement might look like. Give them a little time to make some assessment choices, learn from their mistakes and try again. Then decide if that's the route you want to go. As you pointed out, if given the opportunity, none of us may have written the law in quite the same way...however, it does highlight the need for paraeducators to receive adequate training and supervision and places the responsibility back on districts and states to help make it happen. That's a first! Also know that there are monies avialable at the district level to support paraeducators who are interested in training. Each district receives Title 1 federal flowthrough money earmarked for personnel development for both teachers and paraeducators. Check it out. Marilyn

Hi, I am of the feeling that paras that were already employed should have been grandfathered. The new hires should have to take the test. The school district that I work in has a lot of aides who have been out of high school for thirty years(myself, included) who are very worried about passing this test. Does anyone know how hard/easy the test is and what is on it? Thanks and keep posting. Any info is helpful.