Section 5-E1309. QUALIFICATIONS OF PARAPROFESSIONALS.

 

1309.1All paraprofessionals employed by D.C. Public Schools shall have earned a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent, regardless of the paraprofessionals' hiring date.

 

1309.2An instructional paraprofessional who provides direct academic support to students or teachers shall:

 

(a)Complete at least two (2) years of study at an institution of higher education;

 

(b)Obtain an associate's (or higher) degree; or

 

(c)Meet a rigorous standard of quality and be able to demonstrate through a formal academic assessment:

 

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

 

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

 

1309.3The receipt of a high school diploma (or its equivalent) shall be necessary but not sufficient to satisfy the requirements of § 1309.2(c).

 

1309.4The mandatory deadline for all instructional paraprofessionals employed by the D.C. Public Schools to meet the requirements stated in § 1309.2 shall be June 30, 2008.

 

1309.4Instructional paraprofessionals who fail to meet the mandatory June 30, 2008 deadline may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

 

1309.5The requirements of § 1309.2 shall not apply to a paraprofessional if:

 

(a)The paraprofessional is proficient in English and a language other than English and provides services primarily to enhance the participation of children by acting as a translator, with proficiency in English and a language other than English determined by standards established by D.C. Public Schools;

 

(b)The paraprofessional's duties consist solely of conducting parental involvement activities; or

 

(c)The paraprofessional's duties are limited to cafeteria or playground supervision, personal care services, and/or non-instructional computer assistance.