Paraprofessional
Requirements for Paraprofessionals
According to the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001, all instructional paraprofessionals in Title I schools or targeted assistance programs must complete at least one of the following three requirements:- At least two years of study at an accredited institution of higher education; or
- An associate's degree (or higher); or
- An approved State or local academic assessment that measures the paraprofessional's
knowledge of and ability to assist in instruction of the following subjects
at the appropriate level:
- reading, writing and mathematics; or
- reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness.
To meet this assessment requirement, paraprofessionals may choose one of the following state approved tests:
- ParaPro Assessment (ETS). The minimum passing score on this test is 456.
- WorkKeys (ACT). The following four areas are required: reading, writing, mathematics, and an inventory survey. The minimum passing score on this test is a "3" in all four areas.
Timeline for New Paraprofessionals
All new instructional paraprofessionals (i.e., paraprofessionals hired after January 8, 2002) in Title I schools or targeted assistance programs must have completed at least one of the above requirements prior to their date of hire.
Timeline for Veteran Paraprofessionals
All veteran instructional paraprofessionals (i.e., paraprofessionals hired prior to January 8, 2002) in Title 1 schools or targeted assistance programs must have completed at least one of the above requirements by the end of the 2005-06 school year.
Professional Development Training and Support (exam prep)
For paraprofessionals who choose to take one of the state-approved assessments, information is available at the South Carolina Adult Education Training and Resource Center.
Funding
All school districts and special schools may use their NCLB funds to address the needs of paraprofessionals.Related Links
- Approved Higher Education Programs
- Will my college courses count? (3 page pdf)
- USDE Paraprofessional Guidance (updated March 2004)
- Paraprofessional Training
- Professionals Plus Adult Education (4 page pdf)