ACTION REQUIRED: Two days of professional development now required for all instructional paraeducators

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Two days of professional development now required for all instructional paraeducators

May 8, 2019

BULLETIN NO. 01-2019

 

( X ) Action required

 

( X ) Informational

 

Washington State is heavily invested in ensuring all instructional paraeducators receive professional development to support our most diverse and vulnerable student populations. To support this commitment, during the 2019 legislative session, the Professional Educator Standards Board requested $25.5 million per school year to fully fund the Paraeducator Certificate Program. The certificate program was developed to offer statewide, standards-based professional development for all paraeducators, and to support a career growth ladder for those who wish to pursue a teaching profession.

What was funded?

The legislative session came to an end on April 28, revealing an allocated amount of $12,001,000 for Washington school districts to provide two days of training (14 hours) to their paraeducators on the Fundamental Course of Study during school year 2019-20.

What is the Fundamental Course of Study (FCS)?

A four day (28 hour) curriculum, the FCS is the core training all paraeducators must receive before working with students and their families, or at a minimum, by established deadlines. Learn more about the FCS.

What action is required?

This new legislative funding decision means school districts are now required to provide two days of training on the FCS to all instructional paraeducators during the 2019-20 school year.

Training and preparation for school districts?

  • We will host an informational webinar on June 6, from 12 to 1:30 p.m., to share new updates, and answer any questions you may have. This webinar is intended for school districts but is open to the public. Registration information will be announced soon.
  • We are attending the WSPA meeting on May 31, in Southcenter, to present on the Paraeducator Certificate Program and how to implement it.
  • Fundamental Course of Study “Train the Trainer” days will take place on the following days:
    • June 24, 2019: ESD 101, Spokane, WA
    • June 26, 2019: ESD 121, Renton, WA
    • June 27, 2019: ESD 112, Vancouver, WA
  • An Implementation Toolkit will be available for districts by July 1, 2019. This toolkit will include resources used and created by Paraeducator Pilot grantees, which can be used as guidance for school districts.

Questions?

  • We have created an FAQ document with additional details and guidance on program requirements, implementation, and reimbursement. View the FAQ.

Additional resources