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 assessments, 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 new provision stating that a paraprofessional who demonstrates the required competencies will be considered to have satisfied certain federal requirements, provided their employing district or charter school validates this demonstration. The Minnesota Department of Education is tasked with providing guidance on how to validate these competencies by August 1, 2026, and districts must maintain documentation of the paraprofessional's qualifications in their personnel files. The bill is set to take effect the day following its final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 121A.642