MEA-MFT helps parapros pass muster

Course will be available to all parapros next fall

Glenna Scott was worried last spring. Everyone was talking about new federal requirements for paraprofessionals (classified school staff who help teach children), but nobody seemed to have many answers.

"We don't mind demonstrating that we are capable of teaching children, but passing a standardized math test just doesn't seem to reflect the real nature and demands of our jobs," commented Scott, president of her MEA-MFT local, Hamilton Classified Employees Union.

She had reason to be worried. Title I of the recently reauthorized Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA or so-called "No Child Left Behind") requires that all paraprofessionals who serve in an instructional capacity, and who are funded by Title I program dollars, must complete two years of postsecondary education or pass a district-approved assessment.

While many Montana "parapros" already meet the act's educational requirements, over half will likely need to return to school or pass one of several assessment options to be deemed "highly qualified" under the new law.

Recognizing the need for a sensible approach to the new federal mandate, one that doesn't rely solely on standardized tests, MEA-MFT sought a grant from the American Federation of Teachers to develop training and assessments for Montana's paraprofessionals.

This summer, AFT approved MEA-MFT's grant proposal. In fact, AFT wants to design and deliver similar courses throughout the country.

In July, Scott and 10 other Montana paraprofessionals traveled to Baltimore to take part in AFT's Educational Research and Dissemination (ER&D) Summer Institute. While there, four of the Montana parapros attended an intense pilot course designed to help paraprofessionals meet new federal requirements.

Meanwhile, the other seven parapros attended training so they could bring the course back to Montana.

Montana's team returned from Baltimore excited to share their experiences with Montana friends and colleagues.

According to Scott, "The training was extremely intense, but our entire team was struck by the quality of what was presented to us. We had the opportunity to network with other educators in other states, districts, and even countries, who are all facing the same problems. Together we will achieve a solution. I'm very grateful that paraprofessionals in Montana will not be left behind."

Course available to all parapros next fall
All four Montana parapros who completed the pilot course and assessment passed successfully. Helena Paraprofessional Education Association president Karen Lewis said of the process, "I have never felt so professionally empowered.

"Going through it was one of the hardest things I've done, but it was the best thing I've ever done professionally. It just shows that paraprofessionals will meet these challenges and be better because of them!"

Montana's team will meet several times in the next year to develop and implement the course. According to Erik Burke, MEA-MFT public policy director, the first course will be available to other Montana parapros next fall.

"Our proposed course consists of several hours of high quality professional development, followed by an assessment related to the course materials," said MEA-MFT President Eric Feaver.

"When ready, the test will be quite unlike many of the other standardized assessments that some districts and states are rushing to mandate. We believe it will be quite a bit better and much more relevant to our Montana parapros."

For more information, contact Erik Burke (800-398-0826, 442-4250, eburke@mea-mft.org).