What role do paraprofessionals play in assessments?

Paraprofessionals play a crucial role in the assessment process by assisting in administering and scoring assessments under the supervision of a teacher. This involvement ensures that the assessments are conducted in an organized manner, allowing for an accurate evaluation of student learning while also enabling teachers to focus on instructional strategies and student engagement.

Paraprofessionals typically follow established procedures and guidelines set by the classroom teacher or educational institution, which enhances the reliability of the assessment outcomes. Their support can include helping with logistics, such as distributing and collecting assessment materials, as well as providing clarity to students regarding the assessment process, which can help reduce anxiety and encourage a more accurate representation of student understanding.

While they do not create assessment tools or conduct assessments entirely independently—actions typically reserved for certified educators—their contribution is invaluable in the context of a well-functioning educational environment. Feedback on assessments is generally collected from teachers or involved specialists rather than paraprofessionals, which keeps the assessment accountable and aligned with educational standards.