Qualifications
The terms para professional and instructional aides are used inter-changeably throughout the administrative regulation. 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 the district's high school seniors pursuant to Education Code 51220(a) and (f). (Education Code 45330, 45344.5, 45361.5)
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
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)
(cf. 6171 - Title I Programs)
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)
Parental Notification
At the beginning of each school year, a parent/guardian shall be notified that he/she may request information regarding whether his/her child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications. (20 USC 6311)
(cf. 5145.6 - Parental Notifications)
Regulation NEWPORT-MESA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
approved: March 19, 2019 Costa Mesa, California