Paraprofessional Positions - District Wide -updated 9.20.24 - Pocahontas School District

~ SPED Resource Paraprofessional (MDW)

~ SPED Self Contained Paraprofessional (MDW)

Maintains constant supervision of students during duty hours to provide a safe and healthy learning atmosphere at all times. Works under the supervision of a classroom teacher, following directions and prescribed routines.   Uses effective behavior management techniques in all situations when working with students. Exercises initiative in assisting students by carrying out appropriate instructional, functional, daily living skills processes. 

REQUIREMENTS per Arkansas Department of Elementary & Secondary Education

Paraprofessionals who provide instructional support include those who:

•  Provide one-on-one tutoring if such tutoring is scheduled at a time when a student would not otherwise receive instruction from a teacher
•  Assist with classroom management, such as by organizing instructional materials
•  Provide instructional assistance in a computer laboratory
•  Provide instructional support in a library or media center

Because paraprofessionals provide instructional support, they should not be providing planned direct instruction, or introducing to students new skills, concepts, or academic content.

Individuals who work in food services, cafeteria or playground supervision, personal care services, non-instructional computer assistance, and similar positions are not considered paraprofessionals under Title I, Part A.

Requirements

All Title I paraprofessionals must have a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent. Additionally, paraprofessionals working in a program supported with Title I, Part A funds must have:

•  Completed two years of study at an institution of higher education In Arkansas, 60 semester credit hours at a regionally accredited institution of higher education are required. -or-
•  Obtained an associate’s (or higher) degree -or-
•  Met a rigorous standard of quality and be able to demonstrate, through a formal State or local academic assessment, knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics (or, as appropriate, reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness). In Arkansas, the formal test accepted is the Educational Testing Services (ETS) "Parapro Assessment” and applicants must obtain a passing score of 457.
  

Preschool and Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) paraprofessionals must meet the criteria as outlined above if their preschool program is part of the Title I Schoolwide program, without regard to how the position is funded. This also applies if the preschool program is part of a Title I Targeted Assisted program and the paraprofessional is paid in part or in full with Title I funds.

Requirements for International Degrees and Academic Records

•  All international Degrees and Academic Records -Transcripts- must be submitted accompanied by English translations and transcript evaluation from an agency that is a member of the
•  National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the
• Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE)

For more ETS Parapro testing information, please go to http://www.ets.org/parapro.