NDSCS College Catalog

Paraeducation Program

NDSCS and the four other state-supported, two-year colleges in North Dakota offer an associate in applied science degree or a certificate in Paraeducation for paraprofessionals and teacher aides to meet the personnel requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction certificate of completion requirements.

The North Dakota University System program is offered through a collaboration among NDSCS, Bismarck State College, Lake Region State College in Devils Lake, Minot State University-Bottineau and Williston State College. The courses will be taught through online methods, interactive video conference, seminars and one-on-one mentoring.

Program Description

Paraprofessionals and aides newly hired after January 8, 2002, working in a program supported with Title I funds must have:

• Completed at least two years of study at a higher education institution or,

• Obtained an associate degree or higher or,

• Met a rigorous standard of quality through a formal state assessment.

Existing paraprofessionals have four years after the enactment of the law to satisfy the requirements.

Program Content

The Paraeducation program is organized around core courses that emphasize math, reading and writing. Program elective courses allow an individual to select areas of knowledge applicable to his or her employment situation.

Distance Delivery

Individuals who need flexibility, accessibility and convenience will be able to complete the degree via distance learning. Online courses, videoconferencing, face-to-face mentors and seminars will allow individuals to continue to work and to complete the degree close to home. Individuals also can choose to take courses on campus.

Agreements among North Dakota campuses allow individuals to identify a home campus, take courses from multiple campuses, receive financial aid for the courses, receive a single billing from the home campus and generate a single academic record from the home campus.

Degree Options

Individuals can obtain an associate in applied science degree by completing a minimum of 60 to 64 semester hours and meeting the requirements of the home campus.

Individuals with previous college credits will meet NDDPI certificate of completion requirements by completing the Paraeducation Certificate program if the college credits total 48 semester hours. The certificate program must contain 16 credits from the core program requirements, 12 credits from the program electives, 20 general education credits and meet the requirements of the home campus.

Benefits

This program will allow paraprofessionals and teachers aides to:

• Access technology-based, flexible, and affordable education close to home;

• Demonstrate accumulated knowledge and experience while learning from faculty at various North Dakota colleges;

• Increase competencies in math, reading and language to meet student needs;

• Establish a career ladder to a teaching profession, if desired;

• Meet the NCLB personnel requirements for employment or job retention; and

• Possibly receive college credit for prior learning.

Financial Options

Costs for the program will vary based on the delivery method of the course. Online course tuition varies by campus. For specifics on credit costs, contact the NDSCS Distance Education office. The Financial Aid office at any of the colleges can provide specifics on federal financial aid and other financial options.

Paraprofessionals and teachers aides are encouraged to check with their local school administrators as to your eligibility for financial assistance from the school district.

A.A.S. Requirements: General Education		Credits
English/Communications		6
Arts and Humanities		3
Social and Behavioral Science		3
Business. Math, Science and /or Technology 1 course from math, 1 course from Technology		8

TOTAL GENERAL EDUCATION		20

Core Program
PARA 101	Intro to Paraeducation	1
HPER 210	First Aid / CPR	1-2
COMM 212	Interpersonal Communication	3
ENGL 238	Children's Literature	3
PSYC 250	Developmental Psychology	3
EDUC 250	Intro to Education	2
EDUC 298	Pre-Professional Experience	1
MATH 277	Math for Elementary	3-4

TOTAL CORE		17-19

Program Electives (select 12 credits)
SPED 101	Intro to Developmental Disabilities	3
SPED 110	Intro to Exceptional Children	3
SPED 120	Intro to Behavioral Intervention	3
CHLD 123	Activities for Children	3
EDUC 150	Intro to Early Childhood Education	3
CHLD 186	Family Studies	2
COOP 197 -	Cooperative Education or
COOP 297	Internship (maximum of 6 credits may be used)	1-3
PARA 210	Classroom Management	3
PSYC 211	Intro to Behavioral Modification	3
PSYC 230	Educational Psychology	3
SWK 257	Human Behavior in the Social Environment	4
PSYC 261	Psychology of Adjustment	3
EDUC 265	Audio-Visual Aids	3
TOTAL PROGRAM ELECTIVES		12
Free Electives		11-13

Total A.A.S. Program Requirements		60-64

Certificate Requirements:
Students in the certificate option should complete a total of 48 credits in the following three areas, chosen from the previous list of courses:
General Education		20
Core Program		16
Electives		12
Total Certificate Program Requirements		48

Contact Information

Students with questions on any Distance Education offering should contact the NDSCS Distance Education office at 1-800-342-4325, ext. 3-2430, or check for updated information on the Internet at NDSCS Online.