This bill, titled the "Preparing And Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act," directs the Secretary of Education to establish a grant program aimed at enhancing the workforce of paraprofessionals in public education. The program will provide allotments to State educational agencies (SEAs) to assist States, local educational agencies (LEAs), and educational service agencies (ESAs) in their efforts to recruit and retain paraprofessionals across public elementary schools, secondary schools, and preschool programs. Funding allocations to SEAs will be based on the amount received by local educational agencies in the State under Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. SEAs may reserve a small portion of their allotment for administrative and statewide activities, with the majority of funds distributed as competitive subgrants to eligible entities , including LEAs and ESAs. These subgrants can support a range of initiatives, such as establishing evidence-based paraprofessional leader induction and mentoring programs to improve instruction and retention, and developing high-quality professional development programs. Funds may also be used to help paraprofessionals acquire necessary skills, credentials, or certifications, including those for special education or English learners, or to increase wages and provide bonus pay incentives. Priority for subgrants will be given to entities that serve a greater number or percentage of children from low-income families or those located in specific rural or high-need school areas. The bill mandates annual reporting from SEAs to the Secretary, detailing average paraprofessional pay baselines, wage increases, and the impact of the program on the number of paraprofessionals employed. It also clarifies that the Act does not alter existing collective bargaining rights but requires compliance with its provisions and negotiation under State labor laws.
This bill, titled the "Preparing And Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act," directs the Secretary of Education to establish a grant program aimed at enhancing the workforce of paraprofessionals in public education. The program will provide allotments to State educational agencies (SEAs) to assist States, local educational agencies (LEAs), and educational service agencies (ESAs) in their efforts to recruit and retain paraprofessionals across public elementary schools, secondary schools, and preschool programs. Funding allocations to SEAs will be based on the amount received by local educational agencies in the State under Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. SEAs may reserve a small portion of their allotment for administrative and statewide activities, with the majority of funds distributed as competitive subgrants to eligible entities , including LEAs and ESAs. These subgrants can support a range of initiatives, such as establishing evidence-based paraprofessional leader induction and mentoring programs to improve instruction and retention, and developing high-quality professional development programs. Funds may also be used to help paraprofessionals acquire necessary skills, credentials, or certifications, including those for special education or English learners, or to increase wages and provide bonus pay incentives. Priority for subgrants will be given to entities that serve a greater number or percentage of children from low-income families or those located in specific rural or high-need school areas. The bill mandates annual reporting from SEAs to the Secretary, detailing average paraprofessional pay baselines, wage increases, and the impact of the program on the number of paraprofessionals employed. It also clarifies that the Act does not alter existing collective bargaining rights but requires compliance with its provisions and negotiation under State labor laws.