Rhode Island Law (RIGL 16-11.2) establishes requirements related to the employment, training, and use of teacher assistants.  As required by this law, the R. I. Department of Education has established State standards that identify pre-employment requirements related to preparation required for all entry-level teacher assistants.   In addition, the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) also establish requirements for the qualifications of teacher assistants in certain roles.    For more information on the legal requirements for teacher assistants, along with resources, networking, and training opportunities, please refer to the RI Department of Education website.  

RIDE Teacher Assistant Newsletter -- Fall 2012

One of the requirements to become a Teacher Assistant is participation in an approved Teacher Assistant Training Program.  The Northern Rhode Island Collaborative is a R.I. Department of Education approved training site for Teacher Assistant Training.   The program is held at NRIC's Main Office and consists of 15 classroom hours (7 sessions) and a 6-hour NRIC classroom field experience.    The topics include:

• Roles and responsibilities of teacher assistants, school policies & procedures
• Developing instructional skills, utilizing a plan book, teaching to learner objectives, testing and evaluative materials, technology in the classroom
• Behavior and classroom management and instructional strategies
• Health, safety and emergency procedures including basic first aid awareness, universal precautions, recognizing and reporting child abuse/neglect, safe lifting techniques

NRIC Teacher Assistant Training -- The Northern Rhode Island Collaborative in conjunction with the R. I. Department of Education offers a TA Training class for perspective teacher assistants.  The cost is $270.00.   Please see the attached flyer for details.   Please contact Paula Andrews at 401-495-2024 or email pandrews@nric-ri.org should you need additional information. 

ParaPro Assessment Test -- According to the R.I. Department of Education, another requirement that needs to be fulfilled in order to become a teacher assistant is the successful passing of the ParaPro Assessment Test.   The Northern Rhode Island Collaborative has now been designated as a testing site for the internet version of the ParaPro Assessment Test.   To view a sample test and to review the Parapro Study Guide, please go to the Educational Testing Service website:  http://www.ets.org/parapro.   

The cost for the 2 1/2 hour test at NRIC is $65.00.  For further details on scheduling the test at NRIC, please contact Paula Andrews at NRIC 495-2024 or email pandrews@nric-ri.org.        

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