PARAEDUCATOR BOARD

(1) The purpose of this chapter is to define a paraeducator's minimum requirements and process to attain, and the validity period for, the English language learner subject matter certificate;

(2) The English language learner subject matter certificate provides increased training to paraeducators to meet the demands of English language learner instructional support; and

(3) Provided that the English language learner subject matter certificate is not a prerequisite for a paraeducator working in any program.

Prior to completing the English language learner subject matter certificate, the paraeducator must have completed the fundamental course of study.

(1) To attain the paraeducator English language learner subject matter certificate, the paraeducator must complete twenty continuing education credit hours of training that meet the learning objectives of the course outline as described in WAC 179-13-060;

(2) Training for the certificate must include the training competencies that align with WAC 179-13-050; and

(3) The paraeducator shall be responsible for completing filing requirements with the superintendent of public instruction, in accordance with WAC 179-01-020, the completion of the English language learner subject matter certificate.

The English language learner subject matter certificate expires after five years, and as follows:

(1) A certificate issued prior to June 30th of a calendar year shall have the expiration date of the certificate calculated on the basis such certificate was completed on June 30th of the same calendar year regardless of the date of issuance; and

(2) A certificate issued July 1st or later in the calendar year shall have the expiration date of the certificate calculated on the basis that such certificate was completed on June 30th of the next calendar year regardless of the date of issuance.

The knowledge and skill competencies describe the learning objectives paraeducators should exhibit when working with students. Competencies are associated with each of the standards written in WAC 179-07-030 and are in addition to the knowledge and skill competencies written in WAC 179-07-040:

(1) Supporting instructional opportunities:

Knowledge competencies:

(a) Awareness of the difference between social language and academic language;

(b) Awareness of the stages of second language acquisition;

(c) Awareness of Washington English language proficiency standards; and

(d) Awareness of Washington English language proficiency levels.

(2) Demonstrating professionalism and ethical practices:

Knowledge competencies:

(a) Awareness of the legal rights of English language learners;

(b) Awareness of how to build a culturally and linguistically inclusive learning environment; and

(c) Awareness of what constitutes effective communication with English language learner families and students and fosters respect among each other's cultural and linguistic diversity.

(3) Supporting a positive and safe learning environment:

(a) Knowledge competencies:

(i) Awareness of how to successfully support culturally and linguistically diverse students entering into the public school system; and

(ii) Awareness of students' unique strengths and what value they bring to the classroom.

(b) Skill competencies:

(i) Assist with strategies and techniques for facilitating the instruction of individuals with diverse language learning needs in a variety of settings as specified by certificated staff;

(ii) Assist in providing culturally and age appropriate feedback to students; and

(iii) Assist with supporting individual student needs by using appropriate strategies that are culturally responsive and address diverse student background.

(4) Communicating effectively and participating in the team process:

(a) Knowledge competencies:

Awareness of appropriate and culturally responsive communication strategies.

(b) Skill competencies:

(i) Ability to engage and communicate with certificated staff to build a culturally and linguistically inclusive learning environment;

(ii) Support effective communication with culturally and linguistically diverse students, families, communities, and team members in a professional and respectful manner; and

(iii) Ability to engage in appropriate culturally responsive strategies such as:

(A) Constructs of time;

(B) Verbal and nonverbal cues;

(C) Authority; and

(D) Relationship building.

(5) Demonstrating cultural competency aligned with standards developed by the professional educator standards board under RCW 28A.410.270:

(a) Knowledge competencies:

Awareness of cultural and linguistic diversities and a commitment to build on students' strength.

(b) Skill competencies:

Use culturally responsive communication skills (e.g., written, verbal, and nonverbal).

Providers and facilitators must follow the current course outline as published by the professional educator standards board when delivering training for the English language learner subject matter certificate.