No Child Left Behind (NCLB)Job Information
Phone: 679-2545 FAX: 486-1872

General Information

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) (SB1405) requires all paraprofessionals, by January 8, 2006 to hold a high school diploma and to meet any one of three qualifications:

1. Meet a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate through a formal assessment, knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading writing, and mathematics, or
2. Complete at least 2 years of study (48 semester units) at an accredited institution of higher education, or
3. Obtain an Associate (or higher)degree.

Poway Unified School District has applied these standards to the required qualifications of the following paraprofessional classes: Instructional Assistant (classroom); Instructional Assistant – Bilingual; Instructional Assistant – ELL; Instructional Assistant – ESS; Instructional Assistant – Music; Instructional Assistant – PE; Instructional Assistant – Preschool; Instructional Assistant I – Special Education; Instructional Assistant II – Special Education; Instructional Assistant – Vocational Education; Lead ESS Assistant; Computer Resource Assistant II; Sign Language Interpreter; Student Services Assistant; Behavioral Intervention Instructional Assistant.

The following Clerical classifications are also required to meet these standards as defined by the requirements of SB1405: Library Media Assistant; Library Media Computer Resource Assistant; Library Media Technician – Elementary; and Library Media Technician – Secondary.

Incumbents, laid-off employees, substitutes, and applicants in any one of these classes, must provide us with a detailing of their educational background.

Frequently Asked Questions – Current Employees

What if I do not meet the new requirements at this time?

If you do not meet the new requirements at this time, you    may either:

1. Take the examination currently being used by our district to assess this knowledge and ability (a study guide will be provided); or
2. Complete the required number of semester units by no later than January 8, 2006.

As a current employee, what if I do not meet the new requirements by January 8, 2006?

The District and the Union must negotiate what impacts non-compliance will have on District employees. At this point in time, that negotiation has not taken place.

What should I do if I do not have a copy of my diploma or a transcript?

You may respond to the district questionnaire by indicating that you have the educational requirements, and then send for a transcript. You may turn that in as soon as you receive it.

Does my transcript need to be official?

No. Your transcript may be a copy, but it must officially reflect your name.

What subject areas do the units or degree need to be in?

Your units may be in any subject area.

If I do not have any semester units of post-secondary education, is it possible for me to earn 48 semester units by January 8, 2006?

Earning 48 semester units would take approximately two years as a full time student. It is unlikely that you could complete that many units by January 8, 2006.

What is on the examination?

The examination consists of 110 multiple choice questions in the areas of Language Arts/Grammar (45 questions), Mathematics (45 questions), and “Ability to Assist in Instruction (20 questions).

What constitutes a passing score?

Applicants must score 70% or higher to pass the test.
70% is equal to a score of 77.

How can I prepare for the examination?

A study guide is available in the Personnel Commission office. We strongly recommend your use of this guide. Additionally, math assistance can be found free of charge at www.math.com.

How many times can I take the examination?

There is no limit to how many times you can attempt the examination.  However, you must wait 3 months between attempts.

If I do not pass the test, how soon can I try it again?

You may not take the exam any sooner than 3 months from the previous attempt.

When will the test be given?

Tests have not yet been scheduled. We will notify you when exams are scheduled and you will be able to sign up for a time and location convenient for you.  Please watch this site for more information.

What other resources are there for helping me pass the exam?

In addition to the study guide available in the Personnel Commission office, math assistance can be found free of charge at www.math.com.

As a current employee, what if my educational units/degree are from a school outside of the United States?

As a current employee of the Poway Unified School District, educational units/degrees earned outside of the United States will be accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions - Applicants

What should I do if I do not have a copy of my diploma or a transcript?

You may respond to the district questionnaire by indicating that you have the educational requirements, and then send for a transcript. You may turn that in as soon as you receive it.

Does my transcript need to be official?

No. Your transcript may be a copy, but it must officially reflect your name.

What subject areas do the units or degree need to be in?

Your units may be in any subject area.

What if my educational units/degree are from a school outside of the United States?

Applicants with educational units or degrees earned outside of the United States, or at a non-accredited college or university, will be required to take the examination.

What is on the examination?

The examination consists of 110 multiple choice questions in the areas of Language Arts/Grammar (45 questions), Mathematics (45 questions), and “Ability to Assist in Instruction (20 questions).

What constitutes a passing score?

Applicants must score 70% or higher to pass the test. 70% is equal to a score of 77.

How can I prepare for the examination?

A study guide is available in the Personnel Commission office. We strongly recommend your use of this guide. Additionally, math assistance can be found free of charge at www.math.com.

How many times can I take the examination?

There is no limit to how many times you can attempt the examination. However, you must wait 3 months between attempts.

If I do not pass the test, how soon can I try it again?

You may not take the exam any sooner than 3 months from the previous attempt.

Upcoming Test Dates Scheduled
If you would like to participate in the testing, please contact the Personnel Commission office at (858)521-2794 to schedule a date to take the exam.