What is the Washington Paraeducator Portfolio Assessment?

The Paraeducator Portfolio Assessment process is a method for paraeducators to meet the Title I requirements of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001. The Portfolio Assessment allows paraeducators to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and assisting with instruction in the same areas, through a process that honors their successful work and professional learning experiences.

Who is Eligible?

Paraeducators must have (1) experience as a paraeducator which includes assisting with instruction and (2) permission from their school district to be eligible for the Portfolio Assessment Pathway.

Overview

For a paraeducator who has the required classroom-based experience and permission of their school district, the next step is to get a “big picture” of the portfolio process. This “big picture” includes:

The Portfolio Assessment Categories

The portfolio consists of five categories of knowledge and skill. These categories are:

1. Knowledge of Subject Areas of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. This category is focused on training. Training may be college credit courses or non-college credit training such as workshops, conferences, and study groups.

2. Knowledge of Assisting with Instruction in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Knowledge is based on training and follows the same documentation requirements as Knowledge of Subject Areas.

3. Skill in Assisting with Instruction in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Skill is based on actual classroom experience in assisting with instruction under the supervision of a teacher.

4. Work Experience as a Paraeducator. This category is optional. The experience must align with the NCLB definition of a paraeducator: Provides instructional services to students while working under the direct supervision of a teacher.

5. Related Training that Supports Assisting with Instruction. This category is optional. Additional courses and workshops that relate to assisting with instruction, but are not in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics may be included. The training may be college credit courses or non-college credit training such as workshops, conferences, and study groups.

Making the Decision to Select the Portfolio Assessment

As the paraeducator proceeds through the portfolio assessment decision process, the following questions should be considered:

• Do I have enough years of experience in assisting with instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics to feel comfortable completing the portfolio requirements?
• Have I taken college credit or non-college credit workshops in these three content areas?
• Do I have access to additional courses or workshops and time to complete them if needed?
• Do I have time to complete this type of process?
• Which is the best choice for me, the Portfolio Assessment or a different pathway?

Steps for the Paraeducator to Complete the Portfolio Assessment

1. Determine if the school district accepts the Paraeducator Portfolio Assessment as an option to meet the Title I requirements and obtain permission from the school district to pursue this assessment option.

2. Attend a Paraeducator Portfolio Assessment Orientation to learn more about the process. Training is available through Educational Service Districts (ESDs).

3. Make the decision whether or not to select this option.

4. Register for Paraeducator Portfolio Assessment training to complete the process. Training will be available through ESDs and through some school districts.

5. Send the completed portfolio to the Educational Service District (ESD) or your school district (if your school district is participating in the process) for submission to the Review Panel for scoring and approval. Specific details of the submission process will be given during the Portfolio Training.

Educational Service District (ESD) Paraeducator Contacts