Stricter requirements for teacher assistants debated

Friday, April 11, 2003 | 9:08 a.m.

The State Board of Education will hold a workshop Saturday to set stricter educational requirements for teacher assistants in at-risk schools, as mandated by the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

The new federal law requires teacher assistants at Title I schools hold at least an associate's degree or have completed at least two years of college credits. Currently a high school diploma is all that is required in many states, including Nevada.

At issue for the state board is which college classes will be considered acceptable for the two-year equivalency, and also the parameters for school districts that want to offer qualifying tests in lieu of course credits.

While many of the 400 teacher assistants in Clark County already meet the tougher requirements, the school district has been offering tuition assistance to help employees assigned to Title I schools. So far about 125 teacher assistants have enrolled in classes at the Community College of Southern Nevada, according to district officials.

The Clark County School District has also been offering a proficiency exam for employees who prefer not to return to school. The test includes knowledge of reading, mathematics, writing and basic teaching methods.

The workshop is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the State Board of Education's meeting room, 1820 E. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas.