Stevensville School District

PERSONNEL

Paraprofessionals

Paraprofessionals, as defined in the appropriate job descriptions, are under the supervision of a principal and a teacher to whom the principal may have delegated responsibility for close direction. The nature of the work accomplished by paraprofessionals will encompass a variety of tasks that may be inclusive of “limited instructional duties.”

Paraprofessionals are employed by the District mainly to assist the teacher.  A paraprofessional is an extension of the teacher, who legally has the direct control and supervision of the classroom or playground and responsibility for control and the welfare of the students.

It is the responsibility of each principal and teacher to provide adequate training for a paraprofessional.  This training should take into account the unique situations in which a paraprofessional works and should be designed to cover the general contingencies that might be expected to pertain to that situation.  During the first thirty (30) days of employment, the supervising teacher or administrator shall continue to assess the skills and ability of the paraprofessional to assist in reading, writing, and mathematics instruction.

The Superintendent shall develop and implement procedures for an annual evaluation of paraprofessionals.  Evaluation results shall be a factor in future employment decisions.

If the school receives Title I funds, the District shall notify parents of students attending the school annually that they may request the District to provide information regarding the professional qualifications of their child’s paraprofessionals, if applicable.

Legal Reference:
20 U.S.C. § 6319 Qualifications for teachers and paraprofessionals

Policy History:
Adopted on: February 2002
Reviewed on: December 12, 2017
Revised on: January 9, 2018