Paraprofessionals: A Resource for Tomorrow's Teachers

Abstract

There is a need for highly trained professional staff, particularly paraprofessionals, in Title I schools. If paraprofessionals are spending a significant amount of time working with Title I students in a teaching environment, it is crucial that they possess the knowledge and skills sufficient to help the students achie7e-t1-:. ,,acIre high standards expected of all students. Title I funds can be used to increase the access of paraprofessionals to services for improving their skills. Paraprofessionals should be included in professional development activities. They also need career ladder programs to help them obtain the education necessary to become certified teachers. Several states and local education agencies have established projects that can be used as examples for others wishing to implement professional career ladders. Many types of federal financial aid are available as resources for paraprofessionals seeking education degrees or teaching certificates. They include Pell grants, Direct Stafford Loans and Federal Family Education Stafford Loans, campus-based programs, teacher recruitment grants, and loan forgiveness. General eligibility requirements include being a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. permanent resident and attending school at least half-time (for certain grants) . (SM) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ********************************************************************************