No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Paraprofessionals

Who is a Paraprofessional?

The NCLB Act reads that a paraprofessional is an employee of a Local Educational Agency (LEA) who provides instructional support. Paraprofessionals are any employees who assist in instruction and receive pay through Title I, Part A funds. Paraprofessionals include those who provide one-on-one tutoring if the tutoring is scheduled at a time when a student would usually be receiving instruction from a teacher.

If a position is required to perform ANY of the following in support of instruction then the position falls into the classification of paraprofessional (Instructional Assistant). These positions provide:

1. One-on-one or group tutoring in support of classroom instruction
2. Instructional support in a library or media center
3. Instructional support services under the direct supervision of a highly qualified teacher
4. Assistance with classroom management
5. Instructional assistance in a computer lab
6. Parental involvement activities
7. Translator assistance

How do you comply with the NCLB Act?

All paraprofessionals must have a high school diploma, or equivalent, and additionally satisfy one of two requirements, by EITHER:

1. Completing two years of study at an institution of higher education (48 college semester units) and be in possession of college transcripts verifying this accomplishment, OR obtaining an associate’s degree,
   OR
2. Passing an official Paraprofessional Test. This is a multiple-choice test, examining a Paraprofessional’s competencies in math and verbal (reading and writing) and ability to assist.

Employees must have the units completed OR the test passed by January 1, 2006 for compliance and to maintain a job as a Paraprofessional.