An Educational Aide/Paraeducator Statement of Completion is issued to participants who meet the requirements and training.  According to law, there are now two options for completion. 

Option I
An Educational Aide/Paraprofessional Statement of Completion under ESSA Guidelines is issued to participants who meet Every Students Succeeds Act (ESSA, 2015) requirements. School districts may hire only educational aides/paraprofessionals for Title One, Part A schools or educational aides who have at least part of their salary paid for by Title I, Part A on a Targeted Assistance campus who have earned a high school diploma/high school equivalency (HSE), PLUS meet the following requirements: 

(A) Completed at least 48 semester credit hours of study at an institution of higher education/trade school;
(B) Obtained an associate's (or higher) degree; or
(C) Met a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal State or local academic assessment —

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

ESSA CLARIFICATION- The receipt of a secondary school diploma (or its recognized equivalent) shall be necessary but not sufficient to satisfy the requirements of item C listed above. 
 
Proof of completion of college hours must be provided by official transcript(s).  Students must be able to independently complete all requirements. If there is a question about participant readiness, contact the office of Teaching and Learning at 512 223-7526.  
 
Option II
Many opportunities exist in school districts for educational aides/paraprofessionals in schools that are NOT Title I schools.  To be eligible for the Educational Aide/Paraprofessional  Statement of Professional Development, the participant must meet the following requirements: 

(A) A high school diploma or high school equivalency (HSE)
(B) Speak fluent English
(C) Read English at a post-high school level
(D) Write English at a post-high school level
(E) Perform mathematics at a post-high school level

If you answered no to having a high school diploma or a high school equivalency (HSE), you are not eligible to take this class since State law requires it. If you answered no to the other questions, you may struggle throughout the class and there is a chance you will not be eligible to earn credit for completion. Proof of a high school diploma or high school equivalency (HSE) must be provided prior to enrolling.
 
If you question your English skills, contact the ESOL testing center at austincc.edu/students/testing-services/esol-assessment or call a campus Advising Center. 

Students must be able to independently complete all requirements. If there is a question about participant readiness, contact the office of Teaching and Learning at (512) 223-7526.