Paraprofessionals Assessment Testing
The latest initiative in the quest for ensuring instructional quality in the classroom is addressed in the "No Child Left Behind" legislation, where a component specifically addresses and outlines academic/application qualifications for teaching assistants, referred to in the legislation as "paraprofessionals." The duties and responsibilities of the paraprofessional (teaching assistant) have dramatically changed over the last few years. Previously, the paraprofessional collected lunch money, mimeographed skill sheets, graded papers, assisted on field trips, monitored study halls, and assisted in the bus line before and after school.
Now, however, the critical need to significantly improve student achievement has impacted the role of the paraprofessional in the 21st Century. Paraprofessionals play an important role in schools, as they can magnify and reinforce a teacher's effect in the classroom, particularly for students who are most in need, as are those in Title I schools. Therefore, paraprofessionals must have the appropriate knowledge and ability in instructing students if they are to be truly effective and successful in the classroom environment. Thus, their demonstration of competency in the areas of mathematics, reading/language arts, and writing will ensure academic achievement.
According to the "No Child Left Behind Act", an instructional Title I paraprofessional must meet one of three requirements to be employed.
1) Obtain an associate's degree or higher; or
2) At least 2 years of study at an accredited institution of higher education (minimum 48 semester credit hours); or
3) Meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment,
a. Knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing and mathematics; or
b. Knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading readiness, writing readiness, or mathematics readiness, as appropriate.
To be newly employed in a Title I school or a Title I targeted assistance program, paraprofessionals must have met one of the above-mentioned requirements. Virginia uses the ParaPro Assessement to meet the option 3 requirement.
ParaPro Assessment
The ParaPro Assessment is a 2-1/2 hour computerized test consisting of 90 questions across the subject areas of reading, mathematics, and writing. Test fee of $55 is payable by the test taker on the day of the test.
ParaPro Assessment Testing is offered at Statesmen Computers. Location Map
Please contact Statesmen Computers at 434-542-4933 to schedule a test.
Test Center Procedures and Regulations
On The Test Day
1. You must present ONE of the following primary ID documents:
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passport with photo and signature
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driver's license with photo and signature
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state ID with photo and signature
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national identification with photo and signature
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military identification with photo and signature
2. Dress so that you can adapt to any room temperature.
3. Test centers do not have large waiting areas. Friends or relatives who accompany you to the test center will not be permitted to wait in the test center or be in contact with you while you are taking the test. Except for ETS-authorized observers, visitors are not permitted in the testing room while testing is in progress.
4. Other than ID, personal items such as cell phones, pagers, handbags, and study materials are not allowed in the testing room.
5. Test centers assume no responsibility for candidate's personal belongings.
6. The test administrator/supervisor will assign you a seat.
7. On occasion, weather conditions or other circumstances beyond the test administrator's or ETS's control may require a delayed start or the rescheduling of your test.
8. Pencils and scratch paper will be provided by the test center.
9. The current fee for taking the ParaPro Assessment Test is $55. This fee is non-refundable. Checks are to be made payable to the Charlotte County School Board.
10. Testing time is from 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Please be prompt at 8:30 a.m. to begin the registration process.
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