1. Two years of study at an institution of higher education; Minnesota’s standard: A minimum of 60 semester credits or the amount required to complete two years of full time enrollment as determined by the institution attended;
   
   OR
   
   
2. An Associate’s degree; or Minnesota’s standard: An AA, AS, AAS (or higher) degree;
   
   OR
   
   
3. A demonstration, through a formal state or local academic assessment:
   1. knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing and math; or
   2. knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading readiness, writing
   readiness and mathematics readiness as appropriate.

1. A passing score on an assessment from the state approved list;*
   
   OR
   
   
2. Demonstrating all Minnesota Paraprofessional Core Competencies (1-8) by local district validation of a portfolio through: transferable work experience, college courses, workshops/conferences, Para eLink and demonstration of skill using Para eLink or a similar curriculum that focuses on recent training addressed in Competency 9 of Reading, Math and Writing.
   
   OR
   
   
3. A state approved local assessment.**(criteria listed below)

* The ParaPro test has been approved for statewide use. The cut score for ParaPro is 460

**Criteria for Local Assessments: A local assessment must satisfy the following criteria, and be submitted to Minnesota Department of Education for approval: Reliable, valid, accessible, objective, comparable to two years of higher education, and able to measure knowledge and ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and math (or reading, writing and math readiness) in the language of instruction. Local Education Agencies interested in this option may choose to explore assessments, which meet local needs. Examples of current local choices include “WorkKeys” and “Accuplacer.” Requests for approval of a local assessment should be sent to the Commissioner.