Bill > S3681

This bill, the Preparing And Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act, directs the Secretary of Education to establish a grant program to support the recruitment and retention of paraprofessionals (teacher's aides) in public elementary schools, secondary schools, and preschool programs. The bill outlines that the grant funds will be allocated to state educational agencies, which will then distribute competitive subgrants to eligible entities (educational service agencies or local educational agencies) to provide activities such as paraprofessional mentoring and professional development programs, certifications, and increased wages or bonuses. The bill prioritizes funding for entities serving high-poverty schools or rural schools. The state agencies are required to report annually on paraprofessional wages, retention efforts, and professional development activities.