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Signed into law on January 8, 2002, the "NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT OF 2001" amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise, authorize, and consolidate various educational programs funded by the federal government. Authorizations of appropriations for ESEA programs were approved through 2007.

The complete title of the legislation states its purpose: "To close the achievement gap with accountability, flexibility, and choice, so that no child is left behind." The achievement gap refers to the difference in standardized test scores between children in TITLE I schools, compared to the scores of other children. A school receives Title I designation if at least 50% of the students in its attendance area are eligible under federal guidelines for free/reduced lunch.
What's this got to do with paraprofessional staff?
Included in the 1,080 page bill, was a section titled, "Qualifications of Teachers and Paraprofessionals." Section 1119 details the requirements that paraprofessionals must meet in order to work in a Title I school. The following table lists eligibility requirements:

These requirement are:
red buttonAn Associates Degree or higher OR
red button Two years of college/university study OR
red button Demonstrate through a formal assessment the ability to assist in instruction AND knowledge of reading, writing, and mathematics.
Are there any exceptions to the new requirements ?
A few. Persons hired who provide services primarily as a translator, or those whose duties consist solely of conducting parental involvement activities, need not meet the new standards.

What constitutes "two years of college or university study?"For paraprofessionals in Texas, completion of at least 48 semester hours at an accredited college or university will satisfy this requirement. The law does not specify either a minimum GPA nor a recommended course of study in which the 48 hours must be completed.

Please note that there are many local and Internet-based "colleges" that offer "associate degrees" to persons who are willing to pay for them. Most of these businesses offer excellent training opportunities to their "students," and many even have government-approved financial aid available to attend them. HOWEVER, none of these for-profit companies that may call themselves colleges have met the rigorous standards of the approved regional accreditation associations approved for NCLB purposes.

Before enrolling in one of these colleges for the purpose of meeting NCLB requirements, contact the Human Resources department Classified staffing personnel.

 If I use the "test option" to meet the eligibility requirements, what tests will be accepted?
Acceptable scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT) or the Texas Higher Educaation Assessment (THEA) may by used. Persons who have completed the NISD-sponsored Paraprofessional Training Series by 21st Century Learning are also eligible, although this training is no longer available to current assistants. Click here to see the cutoff scores for the various test options.

Will I be paid more for meeting the NCLB requirements?
Beginning in school year 2002-2003, the NISD Board of Trustees approved a $300 a year supplement to all Instructional Assistants working in Title I schools who meet the NCLB eligibility requirements. This supplement has been awarded every year since 2002, BUT it is reviewed annually to determine availability of continued funding.