Assessment/Accountability No Child Left Behind
Highly Qualified Teachers and Paraprofessionals

Update on ParaPro Test

The ParaPro test offered by ETS is one of the ways in which instructional paraprofessionals working in Title I targeted assistance or school-wide programs can meet the minimum qualification requirements outlined in NCLB. The test is offered in two versions. A computer-based version of the test may be administered by registered Massachusetts school districts, charter schools and collaboratives. There is also a new option for a paper and pencil test which will be offered through ETS partner colleges and universities.

Below are a few updates related to these two testing modes. If you have general questions about this information, please contact the HQT help desk at HQTHelp@doe.mass.edu.

Computer-Based Version of ParaPro

Massachusetts school districts, charter schools and collaboratives are the only entities that may offer the computer-based version of the ParaPro test. Currently, not all districts or charter schools in Massachusetts have registered to offer this version. While this is not a requirement, districts and charter schools with Title I programs are responsible for ensuring that the instructional paraprofessionals in these programs are able to meet the NCLB qualification requirements . Districts and charter schools should make available all options for meeting these requirements including the ParaPro test and the local assessment.

To register to offer the computer-based test, districts and charter schools should follow the registration directions outlined by ETS. Collaboratives can register to become providers by following a separate process.

Please note that colleges and universities cannot offer the computer-based test. Districts and charter schools may choose to partner with these entities to administer the test. However, by registering to offer the test, the district has entered into an agreement with ETS and, therefore, must retain control over their password and username.

Paper and Pencil Version of ParaPro

ETS is now offering an option for a paper and pencil test at a few locations in Massachusetts. These locations include:

• Roxbury Community College in Boston (Test Center # 00205)
• Lesley University in Cambridge (Test Center # 00116)
• Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg (Test Center # 00081)
• Salem State College in Salem (Test Center # 00175)

Individuals who are interested in taking the paper and pencil test at one of these locations should register using the ParaPro registration bulletin . Though the Massachusetts sites are not listed in this version of the test bulletin, individuals should use the appropriate test center number listed above in parentheses.

Please note that the paper and pencil test is only offered at these ETS partner colleges. Other colleges, universities or school districts and charter schools will not able to offer the paper and pencil version of the test.

If you or your paraprofessionals have questions about the paper and pencil version of the ParaPro test, please contact ETS directly at teachandlearn@ets.org. Please do not contact the individual sites listed above.