Introduction
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Screening Assessment Information
Study Guides
Modules Information
April NCLB Evening/Weekend Workshop for Paraprofessionals

INTRODUCTION

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), enacted on January 8, 2002, establishes special requirements for all paraprofessionals working in Title I schools (Section 1119). Salem-Keizer School District has developed a plan for paraprofessionals to meet the requirements imposed by this federal legislation. In addition to demonstrating fluency in standard English, all paraprofessionals with instructional duties in programs supported by Title I must meet one of the following requirements:

A. Possess an associate’s (or higher) degree, or
B. Complete two years of study at an institution of higher education with a minimum of 72 quarter college credits or 48 semester college credits, or
C. Pass a local assessment demonstrating basic knowledge of reading, writing and mathematics skills. In addition to passing the assessments the paraprofessional must complete a series of district workshop modules to satisfy the instructional skills component of the NCLB legislation.

If you feel you have met the qualifications as noted in A or B above, you must register this information with the District by submitting original transcripts (on certified college letterhead---this may mean official transcripts in some colleges) to the Human Resources Office. Your transcripts will be reviewed to determine if the requirements for No Child Left Behind are met. You will be mailed a notification letter regarding your NCLB status.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What paraprofessionals are affected by the NCLB legislation?

Paraprofessionals that provide instructional support in a program supported with Title 1 funds. This includes paraprofessionals who (1) provide one-on-one tutoring if such tutoring is scheduled at a time when a student would not otherwise receive instruction from a teacher, (2) assist with classroom management, such as organizing instructional and other materials, (3) provide instructional assistance in a computer laboratory, (4) conduct parental involvement activities, (5) provide support in a library or media center, (6) act as a translator, or (7) provide instructional support services under the direct supervision of a teacher.

2. How do the new paraprofessional qualification requirements apply to paraprofessionals in a schoolwide program?

The requirements apply to all paraprofessionals with instructional duties in a school-wide program, without regard to whether a position is funded with federal, state, or local funds. In a schoolwide program, Title I funds support all teachers and paraprofessionals.

3. What are the requirements for paraprofessionals who deal with special education students?

The requirements for persons who deal with special education students differ depending on the situation. If the person working with special education students does NOT provide any instructional support, the paraprofessional requirements do not apply. If the person works in a Title I targeted assistance program and has instructional support duties and is paid with Title I funds, the requirements apply. If a person works in a Title I school program school and has instructional support duties, the requirements apply without regard to the source of funding that supports the position.

4. Which schools are supported with Title I funds?

Salem-Keizer schools that have school wide Title I programs are: Auburn, Bush, Claggett Creek, Eyre, Four Corners, Grant, Hallman, Hayesville, Highland, Hoover, Houck, Keizer, Kennedy, Lake Labish, Lamb, Middle Grove, McKay, Parrish, Richmond, Stephens, Swegle, Waldo, Washington, Weddle, and Yoshikai. Targeted Assistance Title I school is: Scott. Title I status is reviewed annually so there could be changes.

5. What is the federal definition of a “highly qualified” paraprofessional?

If you received training from an institution of higher education outside the United States, your credits must be evaluated and accepted by a regional accrediting authority in the United States that is a member of The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Generally participants use Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute. You can visit their website at www.acei1.com for directions.

6. One of the options for meeting the new educational requirements for paraprofessionals is to test their knowledge and ability from a formal academic assessment. What is the purpose of this assessment?

The purpose of the academic assessment to demonstrate that Title I professionals have the appropriate knowledge and ability to assist in instructing students and are competent in required academic content areas and instructional techniques.

7. What must be assessed?

Areas that must be assessed are knowledge of basic skills and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing and mathematics. Salem-Keizer School District has designed an assessment for reading, writing and mathematics, in accordance with the required state standards. A score of at least 75% in reading, 70% in math and 16 points in writing from the State-scoring guide is required to pass the paraprofessional assessment.

8. How can a paraprofessional prepare for the assessment?

A study guide is available from the Human Resources website and in the office. This study guide has sample assessment questions, basic skills explanations and other sources for assistance. Study sessions are included in the weeklong format.

9. How can I meet the NCLB criteria of instructing students in the areas of reading, writing, and math?

Our District has created professional development modules for the demonstration of this instructional component. There are a series of nine different workshop modules dealing with topics covering management, reading, writing and math. Participants are required to complete a homework assignment prior to attending the workshop, participate, and summarize their key learning to receive credit for each workshop module. Paraprofessionals may also use approved workshops or courses as an alternative for these modules.

10. How can a substitute or applicant for a paraprofessional position meet the NCLB requirements?

Salem-Keizer School District offers workshops in a weeklong format for $75. Substitutes or applicants may participate in all workshops. Study guides and homework assignments are available in the Human Resources office.

11. Who do I contact if I need additional information?

Contact Vanessa Otterlee in Human Resources at 503-399-3061.

12. Do I need to have fluency in the English language to qualify for the NCLB certification?

Demonstrating you are competent in basic literary skills, including the ability to speak and write standard English, is a requirement. If you are unsure, we offer a writing pre-workshop screening.

LOCAL SCREENING ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

Salem-Keizer’s screening tool contains three different assessments; reading, writing, and mathematics. The reading assessment covers vocabulary, locating information, and comprehension questions in a multiple-choice format. The writing assessment requires that a person write up to two pages on a prompt chosen, which is scored in accordance to Oregon’s writing scoring guide. The mathematics assessment covers calculations and estimations, statistics and probability, algebraic relationships, measurement, and geometry.

Assessments are scored separately, and a passing score is required on each of the assessments. A passing score for reading is 75%, math is 70% and writing is a total of 16 points from the State scoring guide. If one of the assessments did not have a passing score, only that test would need to be re-taken.

CIM Scores
Students who have met their CIM requirements in reading, writing and mathematics, can use those to meet the requirements for the three assessments.

College courses that can be substituted for the Salem-Keizer School assessment with a C or better grade:

RDG 090: College Textbook Reading for 3 credit hours.
MATH 060: Introductory Algebra for 3 credit hours.
WRTG 115: Introduction to Composition for 3 credit hours.

SUPPORT OFFERED TO PARAPROFESSIONALS FOR DISTRICT SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Paraprofessionals can obtain a study guide packet for the district screening assessment. This study guide will contain explanations of basic skills/knowledge, sample assessment questions, and helpful web sites. The study guides are available by clicking on the links below, they may also be picked up at the Human Resources Office at 2450 Lancaster Drive NE, Suite 100.

• Cover letter (PDF) (Word)
• Math (PDF) (Word)
• Reading (PDF) (Word)
• Writing (PDF) (Word)
  

For additional support and information regarding study sessions, contact the Human Resources office at (503) 399-3061.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN MODULES

Required modules to meet the instructional skills for content areas and support the role of a paraprofessional are available during the year. Contact Human Resources office for schedules.

Salem-Keizer Paraprofessional Required Support Modules
(No Cost to Current Salem-Keizer Paraprofessionals unless noted)

Return to the top