MEMORANDUM

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
BETTY COXE
CHARLIE CRISTDEPUTY COMMISSIONER
CommissionerEDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
1. _
  1. M E M O R A N D U M

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

CHARLIE CRIST

M E M O R A N D U M

TO:

District School Board Members

District School Superintendents

No Child Left Behind (Update #3)

DEPUTY COMMISSIONER

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

The most frequently asked question about the implementation of No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

is, “What are the requirements for paraprofessionals and how do they affect me?” Section 1119

(c ) of the Act contains provisions for ensuring that all paraprofessionals meet high standards in

Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and

mathematics; or

Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading readiness, writing

readiness, and mathematics readiness as appropriate.

This provision applies to most paraprofessionals working in Title I programs. For a Schoolwide

program, this means that paraprofessionals in the school will need to meet these standards.

The requirements apply to paraprofessionals hired to work in Title I programs after January 8,

Paraprofessionals hired prior to that date will have four years (until January, 2006) to

meet the requirements. Regardless of the date of initial employment, all paraprofessionals must

have earned a secondary school diploma (high school diploma) or its recognized equivalent.

There are several methods by which paraprofessionals working in Title I programs may meet the

PLAZA LEVEL – 08, THE CAPITOL – TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32399-0400 – (850) 413-0555 – FAX (850) 488-2869

http:/www.firn.edu/doe

An affirmative action/equal opportunity employer

By completing at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (e.g.,

community college, college, or university);

By obtaining an associate’s or higher degree; or

By demonstrating that they meet rigorous standards of quality through a formal state

or local assessment.

Paraprofessionals who act as translators for students with limited English proficiency and those

whose only duties consist of conducting parental involvement activities are exempt from the

requirements except that they must have the high school diploma or equivalent.

The Act also specifies the duties that can be assigned to paraprofessionals such as providing one-

on-one tutoring for eligible students, assisting with classroom management, and providing

support in a library or media center.

Paraprofessionals “may not provide any instructional

service to a student unless the paraprofessional is working under the direct supervision of a

We know that there are some unanswered questions regarding the requirements for

paraprofessionals and their role(s) in the Title I instructional program. We are working closely

with staff from the U.S. Department of Education, representatives of other states, and educators

at the local level to address these issues.

In the meantime, we would encourage local school districts to communicate the requirements to

their paraprofessionals, to collaborate with entities such as the community colleges to develop

programs for paraprofessionals, and to consider adopting a local academic assessment so that

paraprofessionals can demonstrate that they meet the standards.

We believe that this is a very positive step toward ensuring that all personnel who work with

students meet quality standards and that our paraprofessionals are recognized as valuable

members of the education team.

PLAZA LEVEL – 08, THE CAPITOL – TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32399-0400 – (850) 413-0555 – FAX (850) 488-2869

http:/www.firn.edu/doe

An affirmative action/equal opportunity employer