PARAPROFESSIONALS
A paraprofessional is an employee of a local education agency who provides instructional support. Leakey ISD requires that all paraprofessionals become highly qualified, and pursue and attain an Aide III Certification. Below is more information on how to become highly qualified and how to apply for aide certification. Duties of a paraprofessional may include:
• providing one-on-one tutoring if such tutoring is scheduled at a time when a student would not otherwise receive instruction from a teacher;
• assisting with classroom management, such as by organizing instructional materials;
• providing instructional assistance in a computer laboratory;
• conducting parental involvement activities;
• providing instructional support in a library or media center;
• acting as a translator; or
• providing instructional support services under the direct supervision of a highly qualified teacher (Title I, Section 1119(g)(2)).
EDUCATIONAL AIDE I, II, OR III CERTIFICATION
Educational Aide I requirements:
• must be a high school graduate or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate
• have experience working with students or parents as approved by the employing superintendent
• Experience may be work in church related schools, day camps, youth groups, private schools, licensed day-care centers, or similar experience.
Educational Aide II requirements:
• must be a high school graduate or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate
• have satisfied one of the following requirements
• have two creditable years of experience as an Educational Aide I; or
• have a minimum of 15 semester hours of college credit with some emphasis on child growth and development or related subject areas: or
• have demonstrated proficiency in a specialized skill area as determined by the local school district; and
• have experience working with students or parents as approved by the employing superintendent
Education Aide III requirements:
• must be a high school graduate or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
• have satisfied one of the following requirements:
• have three creditable years of experience as either an Educational Aide I or II; or
• have 30 semester hours of college credit with some emphasis on child growth and development or related subject areas: and
• have experience working with students or parents as approved by the employing superintendent
HIGHLY QUALIFIED STATUS
Region 15 Online Paraprofessional Academy for Highly Qualified Status
Highly Qualified Status Determination Form
NCLB requires paraprofessionals performing instructional duties on a Title I, Part A Schoolwide served campus, or those that have at least part of their salary paid for by Title I, Part A on a Targeted Assistance campus, to meet the Paraprofessional Highly Qualified requirements.
Highly Qualified paraprofessionals must meet one of the following requirements:
• Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (48 semester hours or more) of college coursework or an applicable number of semester hours as defined by the institution of higher education attended, whichever is less;
• Possess an associate’s (or higher) degree;
• Meet a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment –
o Knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics; or
o Knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.