Section 1119(g) of the Washington State Paraeducator Guidelines states that all paraprofessionals who are performing instructional duties and are funded with Title I funds, including all paraprofessionals performing instructional duties in a schoolwide building, must meet specific requirements. The purpose of these requirements is to help ensure that the instructional team providing successful learning experiences for students, particularly students receiving benefit of Title I funds.
These requirements are:
- paraprofessionals must currently have a secondary school (high school) diploma or its recognized equivalent, and
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paraprofessionals must fulfill one of the three following requirements:
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Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education; or
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Obtain an associate (or higher) degree; or
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Meet a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment
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Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics;
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Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness as appropriate.
If you are interested in obtaining a certificate in Washington state-identified teaching shortage areas, the following link provides information for alternative routes to certification: