6129-S AMH BERG MCLA 999

SSB 6129 - H AMD TO ED COMM AMD (H-4326.3/14) 873

By Representative Bergquist

ADOPTED 03/06/2014

On page 1, beginning on line 3 of the striking amendment, after "Sec. 1." strike all material through "assistance." on page 2, line 5 and insert "The legislature acknowledges that paraeducators have become a significant resource to students who need additional education assistance.  The legislature further recognizes that there is significant variability in paraeducator standards, training, and opportunity for professional development.  A carefully constructed paraeducator development program would place the highest qualified paraeducators working with the highest need students.  Such a program when combined with a career ladder could offer paraeducators real opportunities for upward mobility.  Since paraeducators more closely reflect the cultural diversity of the student population, a development program and career ladder would be likely to encourage more paraeducators to become teachers.  Training teachers how to work with a paraeducator in their classrooms could increase paraeducators' ability to teach students who need additional assistance."

EFFECT:   Shortens the legislative intent section for the bill by removing data about hours of instruction provided by paraeducators; removing findings about paraeducator knowledge, skills, and commitment to education; and removing findings about paraeducator training being reduced due to budget cuts.

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