Analysis of state standards for paraprofessionals - Statistical Data Included

Journal of Instructional Psychology, Dec, 2001 by Elizabeth W. Beale

Some states such as Maine, Texas, Kansas, New Hampshire, and Vermont have implemented levels of certification. Levels of certification enable paraeducators to access career advancement by obtaining higher levels of certification. States such as Texas and Vermont require a number of hours of college for the highest level, thus allowing for course work that could be applied toward a college degree.

Examples of states that have implemented standards to support the effective employment of paraeducators in public schools can be found in those required in California, Georgia, and Maine, and West Virginia. California requires the employment of Bilingual Office Employees in K-12 schools where at least 15% of the pupils speak a primary language other than English. These employees are hired as a bilingual community liaison person, a paraeducator or clerical person in that school (45400-45403). Requirements for Instructional Aides must pass a basic proficiency test in reading, writing and math skills (45340-45342; 45344.5; 45360-61.5). Those employed as Teacher Assistants must have successfully completed a two-year course of study and received an Associate of Art or Teacher Assistant degree and have passed an exam by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (45350358).

Standards required by the state of Georgia for both paraeducators and aides include 50 hours of job-related training within the first year of employment, with a minimum of 10 clock hours within the first 30 school days of employment. Licenses must be renewed every five years with 20 hours of job-related training (505-2-. 19 Administrative Code).

Maine requires three levels of certification. Level I requires a high school diploma or GED, an introductory orientation program and on going inservice training. Level II requires two years of post-secondary education or 60 hours of an approved course of study. Level III requires three years of postsecondary education or 90 hours of approved study. Recertification requires a 5 year reauthorization with 3 credits of approved study or 45 cock hours of professional development (Maine, 2000).

Permanent paraprofessional Certification in West Virginia requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of post-secondary education or its equivalent in basic skills, general studies, computer literacy, special education, classroom management, human growth and development and 9 hours of electives related to public instruction (West Virginia, 2000).

Summary

Paraeducators have become an important part of the education team in today's schools. Not only has the number of paraeducators in the public schools increased, but also the level of instructional assistance has become more varied. The role of paraeducators in assisting with instruction and supervision of students requires that they demonstrate basic competencies identified in clearly defined standards. States have recognized that the absence of standards and credentialing requirements can negatively impact the instruction of children in the classroom. However, while a number of states have recognized the need to implement certification or licensure requirements and have taken steps to implement these, still others have no requirements. Standards for all professions are needed to insure quality services, especially those professions providing education services to children and youth.