DBS CODE:  6159.1

Instruction

Instructional Arrangements

Paraprofessionals/Instructional Aides

The Superintendent may employ paraprofessionals/instructional aides (hereafter referred to as “paraprofessionals”) for supplementary instructional and non-instructional duties in the educational program in positions authorized by the Board. Paraprofessional means an adult school employee who works under the direction of the certified administrative and teaching staff in performing, within the limitations of training and competency, certain instructional and non-instructional functions in the school program.

Paraprofessionals will assist instructional staff and related services personnel by performing instructional, monitoring and/or clerical duties related to classroom education, behavioral instruction and support services for students. While not an inclusive list, duties and responsibilities may include the following:

1.  Managing and maintaining records, materials, and equipment.

2.  Attending to the physical needs of children.

3.  Performing other limited services to support teaching duties when such duties are determined and directed by a teacher or administrator.

4.  Performing routine supervisory duties such as lunchroom, playground, hall, and classroom.

In compliance with applicable legal requirements, the Board shall require all paraprofessionals with instructional duties that are newly hired in a Title I school program to have a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent and to have:

1.  Completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education;

2.  Obtained an Associate’s or higher degree; or

3.  Met a rigorous standard of quality through a formal state or local academic assessment.

The district will not hire Title I paraprofessionals who do not meet these standards.

Exception to these requirements may be made with regard to paraprofessionals who act as translators or who coordinate parent involvement activities.

The Superintendent or his/her designee and/or the staff development committee shall develop an appropriate in-service program for paraprofessionals.

Paraprofessionals are employed so that the certified staff, including related services staff, as indicated, may direct their energies to the students’ education. The building administrator and the supervising teacher are jointly responsible for making final decisions related to the duties and responsibilities to be assigned to a paraprofessional.

(cf. 4222 – Teacher Aides/Paraprofessionals)

Legal Reference:  20 U.S.C. §1119(c) No Child Left Behind Act P.L. 107-110

Adopted:  February 9, 2009