> Toolkit Home > Paraprofessionals > Credentialing & Licensure > Policy Context

Whether a state chooses to mandate a statewide credential for paraprofessionals seems to be highly correlated with its particular political traditions. States with a strong tradition of local control are more likely to leave certification responsibilities to local education agencies, while states that have undertaken comprehensive statewide education reform are more likely to opt for state-level certification.

Here are some key questions for policymakers to consider:

• Is the credentialing or licensure system incorporated in written rules or regulatory procedures that mandate that districts comply with requirements for training and employment, or is it an optional system?

• Is your credentialing system competency-based and linked to systematic opportunities for career development?

• Do the state's certification/licensing procedures guarantee strong subject-matter competence and a demonstration of pedagogical skills appropriate for a paraprofessional? How?

• Once certification is awarded, does your state have guidelines for supervision of paraprofessionals?