Frequently Asked Questions

Do substitute paraeducators need to meet the Title I requirements?
If a paraeducator is employed as a substitute in the same position for four or more weeks (or 20 school days) and is funded with Title I or in a Title I schoolwide building and assists with instruction, the paraeducator must meet the Title I requirements.

Do special education paraeducators need to meet the Title I requirements?
The determining criteria for the need for any paraeducator to meet the Title I requirements is as follows:

1. Is the paraeducator funded with Title I in a targeted assistance building or is the paraeducators in a Title I schoolwide building?
2. Does the paraeducator assist with instruction?

If the answer is yes to both questions, the paraeducator must meet the Title I requirements.

If the answer is no to one or both questions, the paraeducator does not need to meet the Title I requirements.

Do paraeducators who are funded from multiple sources, including Title I, need to meet the requirements?
Yes, if they assist with instruction.

Do paraeducators who work one period a day in a Title I building and provide services other than instruction the rest of the day (e.g. playground duty) need to meet the Title I requirements?
Yes. The Title I requirements apply regardless of the amount of time spent in the building or in various roles.

May a school district require that all paraeducators meet the Title I requirements regardless if they are required to do so by federal law?
Yes. A school district has the option to require all paraeducators to meet the Title I requirements. School districts find that this option provides more flexibility when assigning paraeducators to various duties.

Does training in the Washington State Core Competencies meet the Title I paraeducator requirements?
No. Training related to the core competencies is not traditionally related to assisting with instruction specifically in reading, writing and mathematics.

Will a diploma (or a copy of a diploma) meet the Title I requirements in lieu of college transcripts?
No. You must submit a copy of your transcripts to be kept on file in you HR department or district office. This documentation is verified by OSPI and the State Auditor’s Office.

What if the school or college attended by the paraeducator is out of business?
Only an Associate degree (or higher) will be accepted. Unfortunately, there is no way for a school district to verify attendance or the Higher Education Act criteria with out-of-business institutions.

Can continuing education units (CEUs) or hours be converted into semester/quarter units?
These units or hours must be converted by the issuing institution. Please contact the university or community college registrar directly for further information.

Can clock hours count as college credit courses to meet the Title I requirements?
Clock hours that have been converted by a college or university may count. Clock hours that have not been converted (e.g. school district classes and workshops) will not. Note: Clock hours that have been converted to credits will be listed on an official transcript.

What if a paraeducator’s college/university coursework is not leveled (e.g. 100, 200, etc.)?
All classes must be at level 100 or higher to meet the Title I requirements.

What if a paraeducator attended college outside of the United States?
The foreign transcript must be translated and evaluated for equivalency to U.S. standards by a credentials evaluation service.

Where does a paraeducator take the ETS ParaPro Assessment?
Contact the school district where the paraeducator is employed or seeking employment to determine if it offers the assessment. If not, contact the local educational service district (ESD).

What if a paraeducator lost his/her ETS ParaPro Assessment results?
The paraeducator must contact ETS directly at 1-800-772-9476. The company will send the test results directly to the paraeducator. Note: There may be a fee for this service.

How does a district register to offer the test?
The district must contact ETS directly at 1-800-772-9476.