Preparing And Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act
Summary
The "Preparing And Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act" aims to establish a grant program managed by the Secretary of Education. This program will support the recruitment and retention of paraprofessionals in public elementary schools, secondary schools, and preschool programs through allotments to State educational agencies.
The bill prioritizes entities serving high numbers of low-income families or those in specific locale codes. It also outlines reporting requirements for State educational agencies to track paraprofessional pay and employment data.
Authorization of appropriations is provided for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, defining key terms such as "eligible entity," "high-need school," and "paraprofessional."
Expected Effects
The act will likely increase the number of paraprofessionals in schools, particularly in low-income areas, through financial incentives and professional development programs.
It should also lead to better data collection and reporting on paraprofessional employment and wages. The act could improve the quality of education and support for students, especially those with special needs or who are English learners.
State educational agencies will be required to administer the grant program and ensure compliance, potentially increasing their administrative workload.
Potential Benefits
- Increased support for students, particularly those from low-income families or with special needs.
- Improved recruitment and retention of paraprofessionals through financial incentives and professional development.
- Enhanced data collection and reporting on paraprofessional employment and wages, leading to better-informed policy decisions.
- Potential for increased wages and improved working conditions for paraprofessionals.
- Strengthening of educational service agencies and local educational agencies through targeted funding.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased administrative burden on State educational agencies to manage the grant program and ensure compliance.
- Potential for funds to be misallocated or used inefficiently if not properly monitored.
- The act's effectiveness depends on the availability of sufficient appropriations and the quality of implementation at the state and local levels.
- Possible challenges in attracting and retaining qualified paraprofessionals, even with financial incentives.
- Risk that the program may not address the root causes of paraprofessional shortages or low wages.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve education and support for students, particularly those from low-income families. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and this bill respects that by providing grants to state educational agencies, allowing them to administer the program according to their specific needs and priorities.
Congress's power to spend money for the general welfare is established in Article I, Section 8. The bill does not infringe upon any specific individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights.
However, the constitutionality of federal involvement in education has been debated, with some arguing that it should be primarily a state responsibility.
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).