Qualifications and Duties of Paraprofessionals
No person shall be initially assigned to assist in instruction as a paraprofessional unless he/she has demonstrated proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics skills up to or exceeding that required for local high school seniors pursuant to Education Code 51220(a) and (f). (Education Code 45330, 45344.5, 45361.5)
Proficiency may be demonstrated by any of the following methods:
1. Completion of at least two years of study at an institution of higher education;
In accordance with the definition adopted by the State Board of Education, "two years of study" shall be equal to 48 semester units or equivalent quarter units;
2. Possession of an associate's degree or higher; or
3. Knowledge of and ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics, as demonstrated through a local or state assessment
A paraprofessional who has passed a proficiency test in another district and was employed in the same capacity shall be considered to have met the district's proficiency standards unless the district determines that the other district's test is not comparable. (Education Code 45344.5, 45361.5)
Duties
Instructional aides need not perform their duties only in the physical presence of the teacher, but the teacher shall retain responsibility for the instruction and supervision of the students in his/her charge. (Education Code 45344)
A Paraprofessional shall perform only such duties as, in the judgment of the certificated personnel to whom the paraprofessional is assigned, may be performed by a person not licensed as a classroom teacher. These duties shall not include assignment of grades to students. (Education Code 45330)
(cf. 4112.2 - Certification)
(cf. 5121 - Grades/Evaluation of Student Achievement)
Parental Notification
At the beginning of each school year, parents/guardians shall be notified that they may request information regarding whether their child is provided services by a paraprofessional and, if so, the paraprofessional qualifications. (20 USC 6312)
(cf. 5145.6 - Parental Notifications)
Regulation FOLSOM CORDOVA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
approved: February 21, 2013 Folsom, California
revised: September 1, 2016