Paraprofessional Proficiency Assessment

A paraprofessional (also known as paraeducators, teacher aides, instructional aides, instructional assistant, or education assistant) is defined by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) as an individual who is employed in a preschool, elementary school, or secondary school under the supervision of a certified or licensed teacher, including individuals employed in language instruction educational programs, special education, and migrant education (Every Student Succeeds Act [ESSA] Section 3201, 20 United States Code [U.S.C.] Section 7011[11]).

The Calaveras County Office of Education (CCOE) offers a locally approved Paraprofessional Proficiency Assessment that measures the knowledge and skills in assisting in instruction as required by EC and ESSA.  Passage of this proficiency assessment satisfies both these requirements. 

The Paraprofessional Proficiency Assessment for prospective and practicing paraeducators measures skills and knowledge in reading, math, and writing, as well as the ability to apply those skills and knowledge to assist in classroom instruction.  For more information about paraprofessional requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), click HERE or contact our office at (209) 736-4662.    

Non-Title I Paraprofessional Requirements:

Paraprofessionals employed at non-Title I schools must do the following:

• • Have a high school diploma or the equivalent, and
  • Pass a local assessment of knowledge and skills in assisting in instruction (many districts use the CBEST for this purpose) (California Education Code [EC] Section 45330, 20 United States Code [U.S.C.], Section 1112[c][6]).

Local educational agencies may also have specific requirements for employment.

Title I Paraprofessional Requirements:

These requirements apply to paraprofessionals who are employed at a Title I school, regardless of the paraprofessional funding (EC Section 45330, 20 U.S.C. Section 1112[c][6])

Title I paraprofessionals whose duties include instructional support must have:

• • High school diploma or the equivalent, and
  • Two years of college (48 units), or
  • A. degree (or higher), or
  • Pass a local assessment of knowledge and skills in assisting in instruction (many districts use the CBEST for this purpose).

Local educational agencies may also have specific requirements for employment.

Title III Paraprofessional Requirements:

Title III paraprofessionals must meet all Title I requirements with the following exceptions:

• • Paraprofessionals who act primarily as translators and are proficient in English and another language other than English (EC Section 45401); or
  • Paraprofessionals who serve primarily as parental involvement specialists (Title I U.S.C. Section 1119[e]).

Local educational agencies may also have specific requirements for employment.

Non-Instructional Paraprofessionals:

Individuals who work in food services, cafeteria or playground supervision, personal care services, non-instructional computer assistance, and similar positions do not have to meet these requirements (United States Department of Education: Title I Paraprofessionals Non-Regulatory Guidance; 34 Code of Federal Regulations Section 200.58).  

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 local high school seniors pursuant to Education Code 51220(a) and (f). (EC Sections 45330, 45344.5, 12.61.5)

A paraprofessional who has passed a proficiency test in another LEA and was employed in the same capacity shall be considered to have met the proficiency standards, unless the LEAs within the county determines that the other LEA’s test is not comparable (EC Section 45344.5).