SF 3368

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 07/09/2025 01:33 p.m.

A bill for an act
relating to education; defining paraprofessional qualifications; amending Minnesota
Statutes 2024, section 121A.642, by adding a subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 121A.642, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Qualifications. new text end

new text begin Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, a paraprofessional meets
the federal personnel qualifications required in Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, sections
200.58 and 300.156, if the paraprofessional:
new text end

new text begin (1) has at least two years of college credits through an accredited institution of higher
education, or an associate's degree or higher;
new text end

new text begin (2) has received a score of 440 or higher on the ParaPro assessment, or a passing score
on a different assessment approved by the Department of Education; or
new text end

new text begin (3) demonstrates the following competencies, regardless of the number of hours of
training the paraprofessional has received:
new text end

new text begin (i) understanding the distinctions between roles and responsibilities of professionals,
paraprofessionals, and support personnel;
new text end

new text begin (ii) understanding the purposes and goals of education and instruction for all students;
new text end

new text begin (iii) knowledge of relevant laws, rules, regulations, and local district policies and
procedures to ensure paraprofessionals work within these parameters;
new text end

new text begin (iv) awareness of the challenges and expectations of various learning environments;
new text end

new text begin (v) the ability to establish and maintain rapport with students;
new text end

new text begin (vi) the ability to follow oral and written direction of licensed teachers, seeking
clarification as needed;
new text end

new text begin (vii) the ability to assist and reinforce elements that support a safe, healthy, and effective
teaching and learning environment;
new text end

new text begin (viii) understanding strategies for assisting with the inclusion of students in various
settings;
new text end

new text begin (ix) the ability to use strategies that promote the student's independence;
new text end

new text begin (x) understanding applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and procedural safeguards
regarding the management of student behaviors;
new text end

new text begin (xi) awareness of the primary factors that influence student behavior;
new text end

new text begin (xii) the ability to effectively employ a variety of strategies that reinforce positive
behavior;
new text end

new text begin (xiii) the ability to use ethical practices for confidential communication about students;
new text end

new text begin (xiv) the ability to follow teacher instructions while conferring and collaborating with
teachers about student schedules, instructional goals, and performance;
new text end

new text begin (xv) demonstrating a commitment to assisting students in reaching the students' highest
potential, including the modeling of positive behavior;
new text end

new text begin (xvi) showing respect for the diversity of students; and
new text end

new text begin (xvii) showing a willingness to participate in ongoing staff development and
self-evaluation and to apply constructive feedback.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end