R277-524-4. Requirements for Paraprofessionals

  A. Paraprofessionals hired before January 6, 2002 who function under R277-504-3A, and working in programs supported by Title I funds shall satisfy one of the following:

  (1) The individual has completed at least two years (minimum of 48 semester hours) at an accredited higher education institution; or

  (2) The individual has obtained an associates (or higher) degree from an accredited higher education institution; or

  (3) The individual has satisfied a rigorous state assessment, approved by the Board, that demonstrates:

  (a) knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics; or

  (b) knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate; or

  (4) The individual has satisfied a rigorous local assessment, approved by the local board, that demonstrates:

  (a) knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics; or

  (b) knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.

  B. Paraprofessionals hired after January 6, 2002 in programs supported by Title I funds shall satisfy R277-524-4B(1)(2)(3) or (4).

  (1) Individual shall have earned a secondary school diploma or a recognized equivalent; and

  (2) The individual has completed at least two years (minimum of 48 semester hours) at an accredited higher education institution; or

  (3) The individual has obtained an associates (or higher) degree from an accredited higher education institution; or

  (4) The individual has satisfied a rigorous state or local assessment about the individual's knowledge of an ability to assist students in core courses under NCLB.

  C. The individual shall satisfactorily complete a criminal background check consistent with Section 53G-11-402 and R277-516.