Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to define the qualifications necessary for paraprofessionals working within the Minnesota education system. The goal is to ensure paraprofessionals meet specific standards starting in the 2025-2026 school year, aligning with federal requirements.

Main Provisions

• Paraprofessional Qualifications:
  • Must have at least two years of college credits from an accredited institution or hold an associate's degree or higher.
  • Alternatively, they can qualify by achieving a score of 440 or higher on the ParaPro assessment, or a passing score on another approved assessment.
  • Paraprofessionals can also demonstrate specific competencies, including:
  • Understanding the roles and responsibilities of educational staff.
  • Awareness of educational goals, instructional methods, and the challenges of various learning environments.
  • Ability to establish rapport with students and follow instructions from licensed teachers.
  • Knowledge of relevant laws and school policies, including those regarding student management and confidentiality.
  • Proficiency in strategies that support student independence and positive behavior reinforcement.
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development and respect for student diversity.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• An additional subdivision is added to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 121A.642, outlining explicit qualifications and competencies required for paraprofessionals under federal standards.

Relevant Terms

• Paraprofessional qualifications
• Federal personnel qualifications
• ParaPro assessment
• College credits
• Education competencies
• Student behavior management
• Professional development