No Child Left Behind, HR1

Title I: Paraprofessional Training

The No Child Left Behind Act, HR 1 legislation attempts to increase the quality of educators by addressing the qualifications for employment of paraprofessionals and teachers. All paraprofessionals must meet employment criteria by the end of 2005-2006. A paraprofessional may qualify for employment by meeting rigorous standards and be able to demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

The Northwest RESA will offer a series of training opportunities for paraprofessionals in order to meet these standards in a cost-effective manner.

At the state level a minimum of 96 hours of staff development over a two-year period for paraprofessionals has been proposed to meet the federal guidelines. The Northwest RESA will deliver quality, on-site, system-level staff development in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics and technology for paraprofessionals. Plans are to develop consistent training across the region. The Northwest RESA consultants will assist in the development of training and provide “Train-the-Trainer” workshops for full or part-time professionals. These trainers will in turn deliver additional training to the paraprofessionals.

Paraprofessionals: Work Keys Test Prep

Paraprofessionals: Strategies for Working With Students