NEA has just obtained a recent letter that ED sent to Chief State School Officers concerning ESEA rules for paras. Essentially it provides "current thinking" on paras and states.

Here are the key points:

• In schoolwide Title I programs, all paras with instructional duties are covered by the new NCLB standards, regardless of whether the individual para's salary is paid by Title I.
• However, the new para standards do not apply to paras in non-instructional capacities, including translation, parental involvement activities, food service, cafeteria/playground supervision, personal care services, and non-instructional computer assistance.
• ALL paras in a Title I supported program must have a HS diploma (previous ESEA did not require paras who work as translators to have a HS diploma). This requirement affects all paras regardless of duties and regardless of hiring date.
• Title I and Title II funds may be used to help paras meet the new requirements.