Individuals who are interested in assisting students and teachers in the schools can do so by becoming certified as a paraprofessional. Paraprofessionals may work in a variety of positions in a school district including, but not limited to, instructional assistants, pupil support assistants, special education paraprofessionals, job coaches, lunch room and playground assistants, hall monitors and media center assistants.
In Minnesota, Paraprofessionals must meet requirements depending on the role and duties they are assigned. All Paraprofessionals must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Paraprofessionals who assist with instruction can meet additional requirements by taking and passing the Parapro Assessment. The Parapro Assessment is a general aptitude test that is required in Minnesota for paraprofessional certification. It also offers school districts an objective assessment of your foundation of knowledge and skills.
The Parapro Assessment is delivered on a computer and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. Approximately two-thirds of which focus on basic skills and knowledge and one-third focus on applying skills in the classroom. All test questions are in English. For more information, go to www.ets.org/parapro.
Resource Training & Solutions in Sartell is offering a chance to take this test at its location Tuesday, June 6.