The purpose of this communication is to provide information related to new guidance provided by the US Department of Education regarding Supplemental Educational Services and paraprofessionals requirements.
Supplemental Educational Services (SES): The guidance provides new information, as well as clarifications and modifications to previously included topics. For instance, new information clarifies the steps that states and districts must take when a district is identified as “in need of improvement” and can no longer be a service provider; and revised language makes clear that some teachers can be hired by SES providers, even if the teacher works in a school or school district that is in need of improvement. The updated guidance also includes a “model” parent letter, which was added to help districts inform parents of the opportunity to enroll children in tutoring services.
New information also was added on how a school district can fairly select providers to work in school buildings, as well as how school districts must spend the full 20 percent of the amount equal to federal Title I, Part A funding on SES and school choice if the demand exists.
The entire SES Non-Regulatory Guidance is available at http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/guid/suppsvcsguid.doc
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Paraprofessional Requirements: The US Department of Education recently released a statement regarding requirements for paraprofessionals. The previous requirement stated that paraprofessionals hired on or before January 8, 2002, must meet the NCLB requirements by January 8, 2006.
The new policy allows paraprofessionals to demonstrate competency by the end of the 2005-2006 school year.
NCLB requires all Title I paraprofessionals to demonstrate competency in one of three ways: 1. completed two years of study at an institution of higher education (60 hours); 2. obtained an associate’s (or higher) degree; or 3. passed an assessment that measures knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics (ParaPro Assessment). In addition, all Title I paraprofessionals must have a secondary school diploma or the recognized equivalent.