Teacher Aides / Paraprofessionals
BP 4222.00
TEACHER AIDES/PARAPROFESSIONALS
| Note: Under the Every Student Succeeds Act, NCLB’s requirements establishing minimum professional standards for paraprofessionals have been repealed. Instead, paraprofessionals in Title I supported programs must meet licensure or certification requirements as adopted by the State of Alaska. Alaska’s qualifications, found at 4 AAC 04.220 reflect NCLB’s past requirements for paraprofessionals working in Title I programs. Additionally, content, knowledge, disposition, and performance standards for all paraprofessionals are set out in the Alaska State Paraprofessional Performance Standards. |
The School Board favors the use of paid and volunteer teacher aides/paraprofessionals and considers them to be members of a professional team dedicated to the best interests of students. By relieving teachers of duties that do not require professional training, noncertificated persons allow teachers to dedicate their skills, knowledge and efforts primarily to teaching. Paraprofessionals also can help teachers to provide individualized student instruction and an enriched educational program.
(cf. 1240 – Volunteer Assistance)
The district shall use paraprofessionals in those classes where they will provide the greatest benefit to students, taking into consideration such factors as large class size, student age group and teacher workload.
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that all paraprofessionals have appropriate training and supervision.
| Note: Special Education paraprofessionals must serve under the supervision of qualified personnel and receive training in accordance with 4 AAC 52.250. |
Paraprofessionals are expected to employ high ethical standards as they work with students, and to respect school rules, district policies and administrative regulations.
The School Board recognizes the need for qualified teaching staff and encourages paraprofessionals to seek opportunities leading to a teaching credential. The district shall support these efforts to the extent possible, particularly as they relate to obtaining bilingual or special education credentials.
The Superintendent or designee and/or the staff development committee shall develop an appropriate professional development program for paraprofessionals.
Paraprofessionals Working in Title I Programs
| Note: Under 4 AAC 04.220, paraprofessionals working in programs supported with Title I funds who do not meet the higher education requirements must: 1) take and pass the ParaPro Assessment by achieving a score of at least 459; and, 2) show, through observations and interviews conducted by qualified district personnel, mastery of all entry level requirements of the instructional content/assisting practice content standard set out in the Alaska State Paraprofessional Performance Standards. |
Paraprofessionals working in a program supported with Title I funds must have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent and must meet at least one of the following requirements: (1) completed at least two years of study, or 48 semester hours or equivalent, at an accredited institution of higher education; (2) obtained an Associate’s or higher degree at an accredited institution; or (3) demonstrated, through formal assessment, the instructional content/assisting practice standards required by the State of Alaska.
Exceptions to the above requirements may be made for paraprofessionals who act as translators, who have instructional-support duties that consist solely of parent involvement activities, or who have only non-instructional duties.
| Note: Non-instructional duties include providing computer technical support, personal care duties, and clerical duties. 4 AAC 04.220(e). |
Legal Reference:
ALASKA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
4 AAC 04.220 Paraprofessional standards
4 AAC 05.080 School curriculum and personnel
4 AAC 52.250 Special education aides
4 AAC 52.255 Interpreters
UNITED STATES CODE
Elementary and Secondary Education Act, 20 U.S.C. 6311, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act, (P.L. 114-95 – December 10, 2015)
KETCHIKAN GATEWAY BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Adoption Date: 10/13/99
Revision Date: 12/14/2016