On January 8, 2002 President Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001: Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). This page summarizes only some of the most important changes regarding the educational requirements for paraprofessionals outlined in P.L. 107-110 (H.R. 1) Title I, Sec. 1119 Qualifications for Teachers and Paraprofessionals. The entire text of the Act may be accessed at http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/esea/exec-summ.html

Existing Paraprofessionals

(Hired Prior To January 8, 2002)

All paraprofessionals hired before the date of enactment of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (January 8, 2002), and working in a program supported with Title I funds must meet one of the following three requirements no later than 4 years after the date of enactment (by January 8, 2006):

• Complete two years of study at an institution of higher education, OR
  
  
• Obtain an associate's (or higher) degree, OR
  
  
• Meet a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment, knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics; or reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness.
  

New Paraprofessionals

(Hired After January 8, 2002)

All paraprofessionals hired after January 8, 2002 and working in a program supported with Title I funds must meet one of the following three requirements at the time of employment:

• Completed at least 2 years of study at an institution of higher education, OR
  
  
• Obtained an associate's (or higher) degree, OR
  
  
• Met a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment, knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics; or reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness.
  

Exceptions

These requirements do not apply to a paraprofessional who is proficient in English and a language other than English and who provides services primarily to enhance the participation of children in programs under this part by acting as a translator; or whose duties consist solely of conducting parental involvement activities.

General Requirement For All Paraprofessionals

All paraprofessionals working in a program supported with Title I funds must have earned a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, regardless of the paraprofessionals' hiring date.

Use Of Funds

Local educational agencies receiving Title I funds may use such funds to support ongoing training and professional development to assist paraprofessionals in satisfying these requirements.