Committee lays over bill to extend competency-based paraeducator pathways to Title I paraprofessionals

The committee heard testimony and adopted amendments to Senator Clark’s bill to ensure Title I paraprofessionals can use competency-based pathways or professional-development options — rather than only standardized test scores — to demonstrate they are highly qualified.

Union and education witnesses described disparate pass rates on the standardized paraeducator assessment and said a competency rubric and professional-development pathway better reflect classroom requirements. Chris Stenson of SEIU and Dr. Justin County of Education Minnesota said the change preserves thousands of paraeducator jobs and gives districts flexibility to use training and a local competency assessment to demonstrate qualifications.

Witnesses noted practical concerns including test fees, accommodation access, and the need for clear guidance from the Department of Education; several senators said they will continue working with stakeholders and funding partners. The bill, as amended, was laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus education package.

Supporters framed the measure as a workforce and equity fix so experienced, diverse paraprofessionals are not filtered out by a single standardized test.