The Paraprofessional Assessment, also known as the ParaPro Assessment, was created to assess a potential or practicing paraprofessional’s general math, reading, and writing abilities. In some school districts in the United States, the test can be taken on paper and pencil or via the Internet. During a paraprofessional Assessment test, you’ll be asked to answer a series of multiple-choice questions in which you’ll be asked to solve various types of mathematical problems, analyze reading passages and graphs, and answer questions demonstrating your ability to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom. The number of questions correctly answered determines your final score; skipped and incorrect answers do not affect your final score.
The standardized test consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that cover three major content areas: math, reading, and writing. The test will take 2.5 hours to complete. Each of the three content areas receives approximately 30 questions. About 18 of the 30 questions are about basic skills, and 12 are about applying those skills in the classroom.
The reading section of the test emphasizes comprehension and analysis of various reading passages, as well as charts, tables, and graphs. Identifying the main idea and supporting details, distinguishing between fact and opinion, and being able to define a word in context are just a few of the skills covered. Test takers must also respond to questions that apply their reading skills to classroom scenarios. The questions assess the ability of the test taker to help a student sound out and break down words, as well as interpret a reading passage.
There are three types of math concepts that are covered. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; basic fractions, decimals, and percents; and word problems are all covered in number sense and basic algebra. Time, money, and geometric shapes are all covered by geometry and measurement. Basic tables, charts, and graphs are included in data analysis. The math application questions are designed to test the examinee’s ability to assist the instructor in the classroom with math instruction.
The Paraprofessional Assessment’s writing skills questions focus on parts of speech, parts of a sentence, and locating basic grammatical errors. The writing application questions are designed to assist students with various aspects of the writing process, including brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, and editing.
The Educational Testing Service (ETS®) provides the paraprofessional assessment. There is a fee for the paper-and-pencil version of the Paraprofessional Assessment, which is given four times a year. The results of the test are mailed four weeks after the test is completed. Unofficial test scores are available immediately after completing the test if taken online, and official test scores are mailed within two weeks.