New Regulations Required of Para's?

A new law was passed called the No Child Left Behind Act in January. Part of it says if you are a paraprofessional working in a program supported with Title 1, Part A funds, you have to complete at least 2 yrs of college, obtain an associate's degree, or otherwise meet a rigorous state or local standard of quality & demonstrate knowldge of and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, math through a formal state or local acadenic assessment.

Hi Robin; Sounds to me like your School board has misinterpreted the law. As it is written the law gives us 3 choices and your board picked the 1st one because it looks easiest. I went to the National Convention and we dicussed this very thing on Saturday morning with a panel composed of Trish Olshefski, Anna Lou Pickett, Kent Gerlach,Barbara Jo Stahl and Teri Wallace. The choices are as stated in the law: "*Completed at least 2 yrs. of study at an institution of higher education,*obtained an associate's (or higher) degree; OR *Met a rigorous standard of quality that demonstrartes, through a formal State or local academic assessment: -knowledge of & the ability to assist in instructing, reading & mathematics or -knowledge of, & the ability to assist in instructing, reading readiness, writing readiness & math readiness" At this time there is no test, but tests are being designed to meet this need. Hope this helps to clarify things. :) Denise

Hi Robin, Don't feel too confused - I think we all are. The answers you have recieved are all correct. This is a HOT topic right now with much confusion!! I think one of the big questions is who does this effect. And how do they comply with it. My understanding is it effects Title paraprofessionals right now. However, IDEA is looking at the possiblity of making some of the same changes for paras working with special education students. So, the bottom line could be that this may effect all of us working with special needs students. I too attended the paraprofessional conferece here in Mpls. When it was time for the panel to address this topic - there were many good questions but, I felt the answers given were somewhat board. The feeling I walked away with was - NO one really knows what is happening and how this is all going to work! The law has been set and now the state and local levels can figure out how to meet it. Weather it be by college, state or local credentials. I do know that there are several states and school districts who have programs and trainings for paraprofessionals to meet these requirements. Yours might be one of them. The other issue I hear out in the field is - Who is going to pay for paras tutions to meet this new requirement? Will there be a salary increase? (steps&lanes,ect) Unions need to be involved. What happens if a school does not comply with this new law? And the list goes on. So, my point is Robin, everyone is confused! As a para trainer and school board member - I think your school board member should get alittle more information before they pass out forms on what is actually needed. I think there is still alot of questions that need to be asked and answered before anyone is REALLY clear about this new requirement. I can give you an address and possible get some answers. MN Dept. of Children, Families and Learning 1500 Highway 36 Roseville, MN 55113 Good luck! Liz :lol:

Hi my name is Brenda Webb and I live in Algona, IA and I attended a Para Conference today in Storm Lake and they were talking briefly about having to become certified as a Para Educator. Can you give me more info on this kind of training to become certified. Thank You Brenda Webb elmo58@netamumail.com We are confused! :?

Denise, what is a certified teacher associate???? What is it that makes you certified? I'm curious. Thanks. vickibk

Hi Vicki; I gained certification through the state of Iowa by enrolling in and completing 2 College credit courses offered for paraeducators through Kirkwood College. To find out how (or if) your state certifies paras, contact your local community college or your area education agency. Hope this helps. Let me know what you find out. Denise

It's interesting how paras can keep their job in one of three ways:1) pass the "rigorous" test (not rigorous at all -- pretty much a breeze) 2) have a degree in ANYTHING...you could have a 2 year degree in business and qualify (one lady in our school does) or 3) go to 2 years of college specificallly for general education or paraprofessional educationa and get a degree. Now, if you were the president, and you wanted the best quality education for children, which would you prefer? Obviously the third choice, but most if not all para's will simply take the test and be done. I do not see where what we have obtained is a "higher" level of education. Once again ... a poorly planned law, a poorly orchestrated law, and once again, all it has done is left those affected, the paras and the administration, confused as to what to do. So, WHAT'S NEW??