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Question
and Answer |
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| 1 |
Q |
Who is affected?
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| A |
According to the federal statute, all
instructional paraprofessionals in schools receiving
Title I funds must meet one of three criteria:
1. They
must have completed two years of study at an institution
of higher education.
2. They must have obtained an associate’s
degree or higher.
3. They must demonstrate through
a formal assessment their knowledge and ability to
assist in the instruction of reading/language
arts, writing, and mathematics.
Detailed answers can be found in the Non-Regulatory
Guidance issued by the US Department of Education. |
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| 2 |
Q |
Who must take the ParaPro Assessment? |
| A |
Instructional assistants in schools
receiving Title I funds who have less than 2 years of
college. |
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| 3 |
Q |
How long do I have to pass the test?
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| A |
Individuals hired after January 8,
2002 with less than two years of college must pass the
test before being hired. Individuals who were hired before
that date must pass the test before January 8, 2006. |
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| 4 |
Q |
Is there a limit to the number of
times I can take the test? |
| A |
No, you may take the test as many
times as necessary. |
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| 5 |
Q |
What is the qualifying score for
Title I paraprofessionals in Indiana?
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| A |
The qualifying score is 460. If you took the test before
the score was set, and you obtained a qualifying score,
you will not have to take the test again. |
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| 6 |
Q |
Will taking the ParaPro Assessment be the
only way to demonstrate competence?
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| A |
Although the federal statute lists
other options available to states, Indiana currently
has no statewide assessment or licensing system for paraprofessionals.
Adoption of this assessment with a single statewide qualifying
score will fulfill the requirements of the federal statute. |
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| 7 |
Q |
Where can I find test preparation
materials? |
| A |
Several companies and organizations
are developing test preparation materials. The basic
test information can be found at the ETS
web site. |
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| 8 |
Q |
Are some paraprofessionals exempt from
the requirements of the statute?
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| A |
Yes, individuals who are not involved
in instructional activities, who are only involved in
translating, or who are only involved in parent support
activities are exempt from the requirements. |
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| 9 |
Q |
May the school district pay the costs
of taking the test? |
| A |
School districts are allowed to use
a small percentage of the Title I funds they receive
to support test preparation and remediation, as well
as the fees for taking the assessment, if they choose. |
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| 10 |
Q |
Are Indiana Colleges and Universities
developing program to help paraprofessionals obtain
an Associate or bachelor Degree? |
| A |
Yes, Ivy Tech recently received funding to develop a
program for paraprofessionals. Indiana University has developed
a general
education program to address these needs. Please contact
the higher education program near you for additional information. |
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