Created: 2 April 2020

Approved: 20 January 2021

Employment:

Paraprofessional Qualifications

Definitions—

“Direct supervision of a licensed teacher” means:

1. The teacher prepares the lesson and plans the instruction support activities the paraprofessional carries out, and the teacher evaluates the achievement of the students with whom the paraprofessional works; and
2. The paraprofessional works in close and frequent proximity with the teacher.

Utah Admin. Rules R277-324-2(1) (January 22, 2020)

“Paraprofessional” or “paraeducator” means a school employee who delivers instruction under the direct supervision of a teacher.

Utah Admin. Rules R277-324-2(4) (January 22, 2020)

Utah Code § 53F-2-411(1)(b) (2019)

Appropriate Assignments or Duties for Paraprofessionals—

Paraprofessionals or paraeducators may:

1. Provide individual or small group assistance or tutoring to students under the direct supervision of a licensed teacher during times when students would not otherwise be receiving instruction from a teacher;
2. Assist with classroom organization and management, such as organizing instructional or other materials;
3. Provide assistance in computer laboratories;
4. Conduct parental involvement activities;
5. Provide support in library or media centers;
6. Act as translators; or
7. Provide supervision for students in non-instructional settings.

Utah Admin. Rules R277-324-3 (January 22, 2020)

Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Title I Programs—

Paraprofessionals who work in programs supported by Title I funding and who were hired before January 8, 2002 must meet one of the following requirements:

1. Complete at least two years (48 semester hours) at an accredited higher education institution;
2. Obtain an associates (or higher) degree from an accredited higher education institution;
3. Satisfy a rigorous state assessment, approved by the State Board of Education or the Board of Education, that demonstrates:
   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.

Paraprofessionals who work in programs supported by Title I funding and who were hired after January 8, 2002 must have a secondary school diploma AND meet at least one of the following requirements:

1. Complete at least two years (48 semester hours) at an accredited higher education institution;
2. Obtain an associates (or higher) degree from an accredited higher education institution; or
3. Satisfy a rigorous state or local assessment about the individual’s knowledge of an ability to assist students in core courses under state or federal law.

Utah Admin. Rules R277-324-4(1), (2) (January 22, 2020)

These restrictions do not apply to a paraprofessional who is proficient in English and a language other than English who provides translator services or to a paraprofessional who is involved as a parent (or similar responsibilities).

Utah Admin. Rules R277-324-5 (January 22, 2020)

Background Check—

Each paraprofessional shall pass a criminal background check as provided for under Policy DAC.

Utah Admin. Rules R277-324-4(3) (January 22, 2020)

Responsibilities Relating to State Paraeducator Funding—

Paraeducators hired with paraeducator funding from the State Board of Education shall meet the qualifications relating to Title I funding above and provide additional aid in the classroom to assist students in achieving academic success. Schools receiving these funds shall provide annual reports as directed by the State Superintendent.

Utah Admin. Rules R277-324-8 (January 22, 2020)