The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 121A.642, subdivision 4, to clarify the qualifications required for paraprofessionals starting in the 2025-2026 school year. It outlines specific criteria that paraprofessionals must meet to comply with federal personnel qualifications, including educational requirements, passing an approved assessment, and demonstrating a range of competencies related to their roles. These competencies encompass understanding educational goals, maintaining rapport with students, following teacher instructions, and supporting instruction in core subjects like mathematics, reading, and writing.

Additionally, the bill introduces a provision stating that a paraprofessional who demonstrates the required competencies will be considered to have passed the formal assessment, thus ensuring compliance with federal standards. It mandates that school districts or charter schools provide administrative assistance to paraprofessionals in meeting these requirements and requires that documentation of the paraprofessional's competencies be maintained in their personnel file. The new legal language emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development and the need for schools to support paraprofessionals in achieving these qualifications. The effective date of this section is the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 121A.642