Minnesota

Department of Education

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Paraprofessional

Compliance with NCLB

• Paraprofessionals
  • http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/EdExc/Para/
  • Links to several current documents related to paraprofessionals
    • Strategies for Meeting Title I and Special Education Paraprofessional Requirements
      • Restates the federal mandated expectations.
      • Establishes assessment (ParaPro, score of 460 or a local assessment that satisfies MDE), or portfolio validation as demonstration of knowledge.

Standards to Measure Professional Growth of Paraeducators

Not evident

Policy that Distinguishes Paraeducators Working with Special Education

• Paraprofessionals
  • http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/EdExc/Para/
  • Before employment paraprofessional develops knowledge and skills to begin meeting the needs of students in:
    • Emergency procedures;
    • Building orientation;
    • Roles and responsibilities;
    • Confidentiality;
    • Vulnerability; and,
    • Reportability.
  • Annual training opportunities are available to continue knowledge and skill development to include:
    • Understanding disabilities;
    • Following lesson plans; and,
    • Implementing follow-up instructional procedures and activities.
  • Each paraprofessional works under the ongoing direction of a licensed teacher and, if appropriate, the supervision of a school nurse.
• Q&A: Paraprofessionals and Restrictive Procedures
  • Addresses issues related to paraprofessionals using restrictive procedures with students.

Resource Guide for Supervisors: Assisting Local Agencies in Supervision of Paraeducators Beyond NCLB Mandated Expectations

• 2012 Minnesota Statutes: 120B.363 Credential for Education Paraprofessionals
  • https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=120B.363
  • Highly qualified status is established through Minnesota credentials
    • State commissioner adopts qualitative criteria for approving local assessments.
  • Training must be provided in:
    • Students' characteristics,
    • Teaching and learning environment,
    • Academic instruction skills,
    • Student behavior, and
    • Ethical practices.
  • Within 60 days of employment a district must provide initial training in
    • Emergency procedures,
    • Confidentiality,
    • Vulnerability,
    • Reporting obligations,
    • Discipline policies,
    • Roles and responsibilities, and
    • Building Orientation.

Standards to Measure the Professional Growth of Teachers in a Position to Supervise Paraeducators

Not evident