Preparing And Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act
Summary
The "Preparing And Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act" aims to establish a grant program through the Department of Education. This program is designed to support the recruitment and retention of paraprofessionals in public schools, including elementary, secondary, and preschool programs. The bill outlines a state-by-state allocation system based on Title I funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would likely increase the number of paraprofessionals in schools, particularly in low-income areas. It would also provide funding for professional development and increased wages for these educators. The bill authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, indicating a multi-year commitment to this initiative.
Potential Benefits
- Increased support for students, especially those from low-income families.
- Improved classroom instruction and student learning through better-trained paraprofessionals.
- Enhanced recruitment and retention of qualified paraprofessionals.
- Opportunities for paraprofessionals to gain certifications and advance their careers.
- Potential for increased wages and bonus pay for paraprofessionals.
Potential Disadvantages
- The 5% state reservation for administrative activities could reduce the amount of funds directly available for subgrants.
- The reliance on State Educational Agencies for subgrant distribution may lead to inconsistencies in implementation across different states.
- The competitive nature of subgrants may leave some eligible entities without funding.
- Potential administrative burden for State Educational Agencies in managing the grant program and reporting requirements.
- The actual impact depends on the level of appropriations, which is not specified in the bill.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on education aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution's preamble, which aims to "promote the general Welfare." While education is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, the federal government's role in supporting education has been established through various legislative actions and court decisions. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but the grant program structure allows for federal involvement while respecting state control over education.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).