Essays
Essay
PRO
Paraprofessionals can be argued as the backbone of the education system. They are vital workers who not only support students with disabilities, but also help with individual or small-group work, and classroom set up and clean up. Paraprofessionals have an intense and demanding job, and they should be compensated fairly (Will, 2022). However, to do their jobs effectively and diligently, they need professional training. A team of researchers from Brown University and the University of Washington analyzed the employment handbooks of the ten most populated states and found that paraprofessionals tend to receive formal observations less often and get less support for a disappointing evaluation rating than teachers do (Bisht et al., 2011). Representative Cheryl Youakim, Education Finance Chair, said that "it is very apparent that school districts do not have enough funding, or do not choose not to fund, vital training for paraprofessionals or required training after hours on a para's own time" (Representative Cheryl Youakim, personal conversation, September 13, 2024). Basically, most paraprofessionals would love to have more professional development and support so they can feel more self-assured with classroom management. This leads to more confident paraprofessionals and better education for our students.
CON
While there can be arguments for paraprofessional paid orientation, there are some opinions against it. One big one is money. This year in the legislative session was a tight non-budget year (Minnesota Educator, 2024). Is there enough room in the budget for paid paraprofessional orientation? Many schools already face a tight budget and may prioritize other things, like technology or resources, over administration. With the over 5,000 bills being introduced, ones that add regulations like this can be redundant. "Piling on regulations at this rate is burdensome for the taxpayer and for the people responsible for implementing the unending stream of laws" (Representative Steve Jacob, personal conversation, September 11, 2024). It is important to consider both the burdens of the requirements to the affected paras, students, and the taxpayers. In conclusion, requiring orientation to be paid could be too draining to the budget and not necessary for paraprofessionals.
FISCAL NOTE
(Youakim, 2023)
References
Bisht, B., Leclair, Z., Loeb, S., & Sun, M. (2011). Paraeducators: Growth, Diversity and a Dearth of Professional Supports. Paraeducators: Growth, Diversity and a Dearth of Professional Supports, 21(490). https://doi.org/10.26300/nk1z-c164
Minnesota Educator. (2024). https://educationminnesota.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/MinnesotaEducator_v27_n01.pdf
Will, M. (2022, June 15). Paraprofessionals: As the “Backbones” of the Classroom, They Get Low Pay, Little Support. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/paraprofessionals-as-the-backbones-of-the-classroom-they-get-low-pay-little-support/2022/06
Youakim, C. (2023). HF620-0-Paid Orientation for Paraprofessionals 2023-2024 Legislative Session Legislative Session HF620 -0 -Paid Orientation for Paraprofessionals State Cost (Savings) Biennium Biennium Dollars in Thousands.