Special Education Paraprofessionals
Paraprofessionals play essential roles in improving student achievement in schools. They are responsible for reinforcing a teacher's effort in the classroom and providing critical support to students with disabilities.
Special Education Paraprofessional Requirements
Tier I (Federal Programs - Title I Paraprofessional)
Meet one of the following:
• Two years of study at an institution of higher education (48 semester hours of college coursework),
OR
• An associates degree (or higher), OR
• Passed the WorkKeys Test (Bronze +)
WorkKeys: An examinee who takes the three assessments receives a score report for each assessment providing both a scaled score and a level score. The score report provides descriptions of the skills that the examinee has demonstrated. For all three assessments, examinees achieve a level score of <3, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7. An examinee must score a minimum of Level 3 on all three assessments (Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents).
Tier II (Special Education)
In addition to Tier I, a special education paraprofessional must complete the following
requirements:
• OSDE Special Education Paraprofessional training through career technology centers or other state-approved
training providers
• Cardiovascular Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/First Aid training, maintaining current certification
Yearly Requirements:
• Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens yearly training, AND
• Six hours of professional development
Paraprofessionals for the 2024-2025 SY
Paraprofessional courses in Pepper are being transitioned to OKConnect. The date of the launch and other information regarding will be published in the Listserv at a later time.
Opportunities for Paraprofessionals to receive Professional Development credits:
- Attending Professional Development sessions at the district level
- Attend the Regional Support Conference within the state
- Enroll in Direct-Step, Direct Specialized Training for Education Paraprofessionals through LRP or,
- Enroll and complete paraprofessional courses in OKConnect when the platform is launched.
Currently, Paraprofessionals can register for the Pepper Course.
Paraprofessional Credentials
Paraprofessional credentials have been added to the Oklahoma Educator Credentialing System (OECS) located in Single Sign-On.
District Superintendent and District Human Resources roles in OECS will now be able to recommend paraprofessional candidates for Tier 1 and/or Tier 2. Districts can start the recommendation process by clicking on "Manage Your Paraprofessional Recommendations". Once the educator is recommended, the educator will be able to apply online using their recommendation tile.
• Paraprofessional Recommendation Process - 2023
• Contact the Office of Teacher Certification for additional questions regarding the paraprofessional recommendation process.
• Contact the Office of Federal Programs for additional questions regarding Tier I
• Contact the Office of Special Education Services for questions related to Tier II.
Special Education Paraprofessional Instructor Training
LEAs may apply to provide the required paraprofessional training as an alternative. Instructors providing the required special education paraprofessional training must meet the following qualifications:
• Make application to the OSDE-SES;
• Hold a current Oklahoma Special Education Teacher Certificate;
• Have a minimum of two (2) years of experience teaching in a special education classroom;
• Receive a recommendation from a school district administrator; and
• Complete the eight (8) paraprofessional Pepper training modules and include the transcript of courses with the application.
• Submit the application form and all required documents.
• Special Education Paraprofessional Instructor Application
Certification Pathways
► Office of Special Education Services
