No Child Left Behind
The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) was signed into FEDERAL law by President Bush on January 8, 2002. The purpose of this legislation is "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 "disadvantaged" or TITLE I schools compared to the scores of other children. A school receives the TITLE I designation if 50% of the students in its attendance are eligible under federal guidelines for free/reduced lunch.
Section 1119 of this 1,200 page bill details the requirements that instructional paraprofessionals must meet in order to work in a TITLE I school. (Official Guidance Document can be accessed at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/nclb/) . For Paraprofessionals, these requirements are:
- An Associate's Degree or higher from an accredited college OR
- Two years (48 hours) of accredited college/university (NOT a technical school) study OR
- Demonstrate through a formal assessment the ability to assist in instruction AND knowledge of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
(Applicants can contact JISD Human Resources Department at 945-5618 to inquire about taking the TABE Level A test for NCLB compliance).
If you are an applicant or current employee, you MUST meet the above requirements BEFORE you can be considered for an instructional aide position on a Title campus. Proof of compliance must be on file with your application.