What is the Passing Score on the ParaPro Assessment?

The ParaPro Assessment is a tool utilized by school districts across the U.S. to measure the knowledge and proficiency of instructional aides. As the need for paraprofessionals grows, understanding the requirements for this assessment becomes vital for those seeking employment in the education sector. In this blog, we’ll delve into the details of the ParaPro Assessment, its content, its scoring system, the scores required by various states and school districts, and tips for doing well on exam day.

What is the ParaPro Assessment?

The ParaPro Assessment is designed for prospective and practicing paraprofessionals. The test measures the skills and knowledge in reading, writing, and math, and assesses the paraprofessional’s ability to assist in classroom instruction. The assessment is an essential requirement for many states and school districts to ensure that their paraprofessionals meet certain qualifications set under federal regulations.

Content of the ParaPro Assessment

The ParaPro Assessment is tailored to assess the academic knowledge and foundational skills of instructional aides. It ensures they are equipped to provide support in classroom instruction across various subjects. The test focuses on three primary areas.

Reading

The reading section evaluates the test-taker’s ability to comprehend, interpret, and analyze a variety of texts. This isn’t merely about recognizing words or sentences, but delving deeper to understand the author’s intent, main ideas, supporting details, and vocabulary in context. Test-takers will encounter passages that could be informational, literary, or resemble documents common in educational settings. The challenges may involve identifying the main idea, determining the author’s purpose, or drawing inferences from the given content.

For example, suppose on the test you are presented with a brief excerpt from a fictional story about a young girl named Emily discovering a hidden garden behind her new home. After reading the excerpt, you might be asked questions such as:

• Which of the following best describes Emily’s initial reaction upon finding the garden?

• According to the excerpt, what time of day did Emily discover the garden?

• Based on the passage, what might be a possible reason the garden was hidden?

Math

Math proficiency is essential for paraprofessionals, especially if they provide assistance in math-centric environments or support students with math-related tasks. This section gauges foundational math skills, spanning from basic arithmetic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, to more advanced concepts like patterns, relationships, properties of shapes, and rudimentary algebra and geometry. The math segment often presents real-world problems, measurements, and data interpretation scenarios to ensure applicability in classroom situations. The types of questions you might encounter on the math section of the ParaPro include questions like:

• A school library has 5 shelves of books with 32 books on each shelf. How many books are in total on all the shelves?

• If 3y - 7 = 20, what is the value of y?

• Given a triangle with a base of 10 units and a height of 6 units, what is its area?

Writing

Paraprofessionals frequently assist students in refining their writing assignments. Thus, the writing section of the assessment ensures that they possess a solid understanding of effective writing and editing practices. It examines their grasp over grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and sentence structure. Test-takers might face challenges that require them to identify or correct errors in sample texts, discern the organization in a piece of writing, or understand different writing objectives, such as persuasion, narration, or exposition. Questions on the writing section of the exam might look like:

• Which word in the following sentence is used incorrectly?

• Which of the following sentences correctly combines the two sentences?

• Which of the following is an example of passive voice?

Scoring of the ParaPro Assessment

The ParaPro Assessment is scored on a scale of 420 to 480. However, the passing score varies from one state or school district to another. Some states have a uniform requirement, while others allow individual school districts to set their own qualifying scores.

State and School District Passing Scores

To provide a clearer perspective on the scores required across different regions, here’s a breakdown of the passing scores for various states and school districts:

Passing Score	State/School District
445	California, Haynes Family of Programs
450	Louisiana
455	Kansas, Maryland, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Midland Independent School District; Virginia, Washington
456	Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee
457	Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Duval County Public School District; Florida, Hernando County School District; Florida, Manatee County School District; New Mexico
458	California, El Rancho Unified School District; California, Fillmore Unified School District; California, Merced Union High School District; California, Oak Park Unified School District; California, The Help Group; California, Ventura County, Vermont
459	Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Pennsylvania, Chester Upland School District
460	California, Aspire Public Schools; California, Oakland Unified School District; California, South Bay Schools; Colorado, Florida, St. Lucie District Schools; Florida, Taylor County School District; Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Mifflin County School District; Pennsylvania, Tuscarora School District; Utah, Wisconsin, Lakeland Union School District; Wisconsin, Neenah Joint School District
461	District of Columbia, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Fort Worth Independent School District
462	Montana, Hamilton School District; Pennsylvania, Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3; Pennsylvania, Hempfield Area School District; Pennsylvania, West Oak Lane Charter School; Wyoming
464	Florida, Brevard Public Schools – Adult and Community Education, Florida Consortium, Massachusetts, North Dakota
465	Texas, Keller Independent School District; Texas, Lamar, CISD; Texas, North East Independent School District; Texas, South San Antonio Independent School District
466	U.S. Virgin Islands
467	Texas, Education Service Center – Region 19

Importance of Meeting the Passing Score

If you don’t reach the required passing score on the ParaPro Assessment for a specific state or school district, you’ll usually be considered ineligible for a paraprofessional role there. This assessment acts as a key standard for academic proficiency, crucial for those aiding classroom instruction. Falling short of the score means not only missing out on the job opportunity but also having to retake the test. Importantly, there’s a 28-day waiting period between retakes.

Strategies to Pass the ParaPro Assessment

Passing the ParaPro Assessment requires a blend of academic knowledge, test-taking strategies, and a clear understanding of what the assessment entails. Whether you’re taking the test for the first time or retaking after an unsuccessful attempt, it’s crucial to equip yourself with the right tools and techniques. Here are some strategies and resources that can help enhance your preparation:

Practice Tests

Familiarizing yourself with the test format and type of questions can make a significant difference. ParaPro practice tests give you a taste of what to expect, allowing you to identify your strengths and areas that need improvement. By simulating the testing environment, you can also work on managing your time efficiently during the actual test. For the most realistic simulation, try timing yourself taking all 90 questions within the two and a half hour time limit.

Flashcards

Flashcards are excellent tools for quick reviews and reinforcing your memory. Whether you buy a set or create your own, consistently reviewing them can help in solidifying concepts, especially for subjects like math where formulas and terminologies are critical.

Study Courses

Consider enrolling in an online study course specifically designed for the ParaPro Assessment. These comprehensive study programs often come with personalized lessons tailored to your needs. They can be particularly beneficial if you have limited time for preparation or need a structured study plan.

Join Study Groups

Study groups can be a game-changer. Engaging in group discussions, explaining concepts to others, or just listening can offer a fresh perspective and provide clarity on complex topics. It also keeps you motivated and committed to your study schedule.

Manage Test Anxiety

If you’re prone to test anxiety, practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. Being calm and centered can significantly improve your concentration and performance. Additionally, get a good night’s sleep before the test day and ensure you eat a balanced meal.

Familiarize Yourself with the Testing Center

If possible, visit the testing center ahead of time. Knowing the location, parking details, and the layout can alleviate last-minute stress. If you’re taking the test at home, make sure to complete the equipment readiness check well before test day to ensure you’re not scrambling at that last minute.

The Final Push: Conquering the ParaPro Assessment

Whether you’re embarking on this journey for the first time or brushing up for a retake, your dedication to the profession and students shines through. By harnessing the strategies and resources mentioned above, combined with a healthy dose of determination and self-belief, you’ll be well on your way to acing the ParaPro. Let’s turn this challenge into an opportunity to showcase your expertise and passion for education. Best of luck!