New Products from ETS for Paraprofessionals

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1 ParaPro Assessment Overview Frequently Asked Questions for Paraprofessional Candidates Frequently Asked Questions for s and States Registration Test Preparation Passing Scores Research Contact Us Overview The ETS ParaPro Assessment was developed in response to the federal legislation known as No Child Left Behind, which was signed into law by President Bush in January Effective January 8, 2002, the law requires paraprofessionals serving in an instructional capacity satisfy one of the following: An associate of arts degree OR Two years of college OR Demonstrate, through a state or local academic assessment, knowledge of, and the ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and math The choice of test(s) to satisfy the third option is left to the discretion of states and districts. The ParaPro Assessment developed by Educational Testing Service for prospective and practicing paraprofessionals measures skills and knowledge in reading, mathematics, and writing, as well as the ability to apply those skills and knowledge to assist in classroom instruction. How the Assessment Was Developed The ParaPro Assessment reflects the most current research and the professional judgment and experience of educators across the country. The 2 1/2 hour test was developed with the assistance of an advisory committee composed of paraprofessionals and teachers who work with paraprofessionals. A thorough job analysis was conducted to determine what knowledge and skills in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics and in assisting in instruction in these areas are important for paraprofessionals. Each edition of the test is reviewed for accuracy, fairness, and relevance many times during its development. After the test is administered, but before scores are released, each question undergoes rigorous statistical analysis to confirm that it is accurate, comparable to previous tests, and fair to subgroups of test takers. These Page 1 of 7

2 procedures meet and exceed the exacting standards of the professional measurement community and ETS's own Standards for Quality and Fairness. The ParaPro Assessment is reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis to confirm that it provides the valid, reliable information states and districts need to meet legislative mandates. Passing Scores The states and districts listed below have adopted the ParaPro Assessment to meet NCLB requirements. Within each state/district the following qualifying scores have been established:. STATE QUALIFYING SCORE STATE QUALIFYING SCORE Arizona 459 Nebraska 456 Arkansas 457 Nevada 460 California, Oakland Unified California, Ventura County 460 New Jersey * New Mexico 457 Colorado 460 North Dakota 464 Connecticut 457 Ohio 456 Delaware 459 Oregon 455* Florida Consortium 464* Pennsylvania, Chester Upland 459 Florida, Duval County Public School 457 Rhode Island 461 Georgia 456 South Carolina 456 Hawaii 459 South Dakota 461 Idaho 460 Tennessee 456 Illinois 460 Texas Region * Indiana 460 Texas,Anthony Kansas 455 Texas, Fort Worth Page 2 of 7

3 Louisiana 450 Texas, North East Maine 459 Texas, South San Maryland 455 U.S. Virgin Islands 466 Massachusetts 464 Utah 460 Michigan 460 Vermont 458 Minnesota 460 Virginia 455 Missouri 458 Washington 461 Wyoming 462 *The qualifying score set by each school district may be different. Contact your school district to verify the qualifying score. Registration Paper-and-Pencil Test: To register for the paper-and-pencil test, test takers must complete and submit the registration form included in the ParaPro Assessment Registration Bulletin. The Registration Bulletin is available at participating school districts or may be ordered online. The paper-and-pencil version of the ParaPro Assessment is administered at ETS test centers nationwide on scheduled test dates throughout the year. See below for updates to the Test Center and Recipient Codes lists that appear in the ParaPro Registration Bulletin Supplemental Test Centers Supplemental Recipient Codes Extended testing time may be available for test takers whose primary language is not English (PLNE). For information regarding PLNE and other special registration options go to the Special Registration Options page. Nonstandard testing accommodations are available for test takers who meet eligibility criteria. To obtain information and registration materials go to the Disability Services page. Note: A scannable registration form is required to register for the paper-and-pencil test. This scannable form is only available in the print copy of the Registration Bulletin. The downloadable version does not contain the scannable registration Page 3 of 7

4 form needed for registration. Internet-based Test: There is no pre-registration required for the Internet-based test. The test is scheduled at the convenience of the test taker and the participating school district and is conducted at locations determined by each district. To determine if the Internet-based ParaPro Assessment is offered in a specific school district, contact the district's administrative office. Candidates who take the Internet-based test should refer to the Registration Bulletin for policy information about scores and score reports. TEST DURATION: (both formats): 2 1/2 hours Fee Schedule Test/Service Fee Test fee (non-refundable) $40.00 Additional fees for the paper and pencil test: Late registration $40.00 Test center or test date change $40.00 Standby $65.00 Score-by-phone $25.00 per request Score verification $40.00 Additional fees for both versions: File correction $35.00 Additional score reports $35.00 each Test Preparation Test at a Glance The ParaPro Test at a Glance contains detailed descriptions of the assessment, including a content outline, the number of questions, and what format those questions will take. Sample questions and explanations of correct answers are provided to familiarize test takers with various types of questions and appropriate answers. The Test at a Glance helps paraprofessionals decide how to pace themselves when taking the test. IMPORTANT! The sample questions in the Test at a Glance are limited in number and therefore may not fully represent the range of content and difficulty that may be encountered on the actual test. Printer-friendly version: ParaPro Test at a Glance Page 4 of 7

5 Internet-based Assessment Tutorial This online tutorial helps paraprofessionals learn how to navigate through the Internet-based assessment and provides descriptions of question types. Test takers will also have the opportunity to complete the tutorial prior to taking the test. ParaPro Assessment Study Guide The ParaPro Assessment Study Guide comes with a targeted review of all the material on the exam in addition to a full-length practice test. The review chapters in Reading, Mathematics, and Writing cover what paraprofessionals need to know for the exam, including the questions that focus on "application to instruction." A special chapter called "Do Tests Make You Nervous?" offers pointers for how to get ready for the exam and explains many things about the test that may help reduce test anxiety. Another chapter provides an overview of the Internet-based version of the test and includes sample screens and instructions for navigating through the test. The full-length practice test, developed by the ETS, comes with thorough explanations of the answers. Helpful test-taking strategies are found throughout the guide. Price per Guide 1-49 $ $ $ $ $18.75 To order the ParaPro Study Guide from ETS, call toll-free Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST. Or, order online from the ETS Store. Guides are also available at select bookstores and retailers nationwide. ParaPro Practice Test This full-length practice test was retired after being used in actual test administrations and will give paraprofessionals an idea of how they might score on the test. The retired test comes with a list of correct answers plus a score conversion chart to determine overall performance and strengths and weaknesses in key content areas. The practice test may be purchased individually, in packs of ten, or in combination with the Parapro Study Guide. Individual Practice Test: Page 5 of 7

6 Price per Practice Test 1-49 $ $ $ $ $9.00 Ten Packs: Price per ten pack 0-4 $ $ $ $ $75.00 Practice Test/Study Guide Combination: Price per Guide 1-49 $ $ $ $ $26.25 To order practice tests from ETS, call toll-free Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST. Or, order online from the ETS Store. The Practice Test/Study Guide Combination pack is also available at select bookstores and retailers nationwide. PLATO ParaPro Preparation Package ETS and PLATO Learning have collaborated to help paraprofessionals who are preparing for the ETS ParaPro Assessment. This Internet-delivered test preparation package offers users: web-based instructional support and learning courseware from PLATO Page 6 of 7

7 Learning. a simulated test developed by ETS, which gives learners an experience closely related to the ETS ParaPro Assessment. feedback and instructional guidance regarding students' strengths and weaknesses in reading, writing and math and the application of these skills to teaching. guidance for creating individualized learning paths to improve basic skills and prepare for the ParaPro Assessment. By combining the testing experience of ETS with PLATO Learning's instructional content and Internet delivery capabilities, the PLATO ParaPro Preparation Package offers an effective test preparation tool for ParaPro candidates. To learn more, visit PLATO Learning on the Web or call PLATO Contact Us Phone: (United States, U.S. Territories, and Canada) (all other locations) parapro@ets.org 2005 ETS. All rights reserved. ETS at a Glance Privacy and Security Legal Link to ETS Last Updated: 03/25/2005 Page 7 of 7