What information do you have about future testing of paras?

Posted July 22nd, 2002 by Douglas
Marilyn Likins, the NRCP Co-director, recently received a question via email. Following is the text of the question and Marilyn's response. Question: "I have been a paraprofessional for 15 years. I know the new ruling says we must have 2 years of higher education, an associates degree or take a test. Does anyone in Georgia have any information on any of this? I am real interested in the test. I would like to know how difficult it is, is there a study guide, do we need to study and if we fail can we take it again and when? Also, I would like to know what counts as 2 years of higher education." Marilyn's response: "All states are developing assessment measures to address the Title I criteria. In the state of Utah, approximately 90% of our paraeducators in our largest district will be taking the assessment ... whatever that is. "Keep in mind that because you are currently working in a Title 1 position, you have approximately 3.5 years left to meet the criteria that was laid out in the law. You have the option of: A. 2 years of training in higher education (community college or university training -- technology college does not meet the requirements) B. OR an associate degree, C. OR meeting a "rigorous" assessment of your knowledge and skills in the areas of reading, writing, and math. "Every state is doing something differently. The majority of states are still working on what the "assessment" piece will be. Personally, I am not familiar with what Georgia is doing but you can contact the Title I director at your State Office of Education and ask them what they are doing. If you want to be involved in the process, volunteer your services. "I know that in many states they are developing training to accompany the test (training on "how to take tests" as well as remediation for areas in which you may not pass). Again, ask what is being done in your state. Check with your local district Title I director as well. They should have answers for you."
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Testing

On December 21st, 2006 Scotlass says:

As a Para in Colorado, I had to undergo a grueling "WorkKeys" test. Apparently by passing the test, you show that you have the equivalent of a 2 year college education. This was particularly useful in my situation since I was educated in Scotland and our school system is far removed from that here. A 5 year Scottish Secondary School education (at least when I attended) was the equivalent of High school plus at least a one year college education in the US.

What information do you have about future testing of paras?

On July 23rd, 2002 ninab says:
Unfortunately, there is so much misinformation and lack of information that it is very difficult to get an answer from your local district. Every day I hear of paras who were told about this requirement as the school year ended or in another informal setting, like "Oh, by the way...." It is my understanding that the state of Michigan has decided to use the Basic Skills Teacher Certification test that is given after 2 years of college for education majors. Most all colleges and community colleges in Michigan offer pre testing and tutorial programs for those wishing to take the test. We have been working with 3 local colleges to offer options and programs to all parapros in our county. Most of the districts in our county have not bothered to inform their paras. A few superintendents have told us that they will either eliminate the positions or transfer those employees to other jobs which won't require this. They apparently don't mind leaving their employees behind! Nina Boyers Jackson Paraeducator Association Jackson, Michigan

Eliminating positions/transferring jobs

On July 18th, 2003 Suzanne says:
:o Nina~you referred to Superintendents either eliminating positions or transferring people to other jobs where they would not have to meet the requirements. Is that even an option? What if they choose to, for example, get rid of all their special ed paras and then rehire back people who fulfill the qualifications of having an associate's degree? Don't the original paras, by law, have the right to meet those requirements by 2003? I guess I'm wondering if district's can pull something like this...anyone have any answers out there?

What information do you have about future testing of paras?

On July 20th, 2003 ninab says:
Suzanne, Many districts in my part of Michigan are eliminating Title 1 or regular Eduacation Paraprofessional positions because they believe that: 1) Parapros are not effective, referring back to the infamous STAR Report from Tennessee, 2) that it will be too expensive to have paras since they will be better educated, or 3) Parapros are a "frill" that the district cannot afford. Management has the right in most union contracts to decide on the number of and classifications of positions they offer. For non-union, there is even less protection than this vague language. However, once off the districts seniority lists (depending on contract language for those unionized), they may not be rehired for Title 1 unless they meet the NCLB qualifications. There are very few positions that are exempt from them, as you know. Can they do this? Unfortunately, unless you have made sure that your local school board and your community are well aware of the valuable services you and your fellow paras provide to the children in your district, the answer is "You bet they can!" Your best allies are elementary teachers in particular, principals if they are not threatened by Central Office administration and Parents. It paid off for my local Union to make sure each board member was given as much information as possible before cuts were made. I personally met with every Board member who would sit down with me for at least an hour to talk about who we are and what we provide for kids. Each board member was provided with a packet of information to counter the Sup'ts misinformation. It paid off for the unit, but he retaliated by eliminating my position! However, I was able to bid into a different para position.

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