Williston State College

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Paraeducator A.A.S.
Online
 

PARAEDUCATOR DEGREE
A Distance Education Program


A Collaboration of the
North Dakota Community Colleges:

Bismarck State College, Lake Region State College, Minot State University-Bottineau, ND State College of Science, Williston State College

 
Associate of Applied Science Program
for Paraprofessionals and Teacher Aides

The Paraeducator Program provides an option for paraprofessionals and teacher aides to meet the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and the ND Department of Public Instruction certification requirements.

  • Paraprofessionals and aides hired after January 8,2002, must
    have completed at least 2 years of study at a higher education institution or,
  • have obtained an associate or higher degree or,
  • have met a rigorous standard of quality through a formal state assessment.

    http://www.dpi.state.nd.us/title1/aides.shtm

School districts may require criminal background checks before entering a school setting.

 

Program Content:
The Paraeducator 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/her employment situation.

 

Degree Options:
Individuals can obtain an Associate of Applied Science degree by completing a minimum of 60-64 semester hours and meet the requirements of the home campus. Individuals with previous college credtis will meet DPI certification requirements by completing the Paraeducator Certificate Program if the college credits total 48 hours. The certificate program must complete the 16 credits from Core Program Requirements, 12 credits from the Program Electives, and meet the requirements of the home campus.

 

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/or seminars will allow individuals to continue to work and complete the degree close to home. Individuals can also choose to take courses on campus. Agreements among ND campuses allow an individual 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.

 

Financial Options:
Costs for the program will vary based on the delivery method of the course. Online course tuition ranges from $115-$135 per credit. For specifics on credit costs, contact your home institution. The Financial Aid Office at your home institution can give specifics on federal financial aid and other financial options. Check with your administrator as to your eligibility for financial assistance from your school.

 

A.A.S. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

General Education
Credits
English/Communications
6
Arts & Humanities
3
Social & Behavioral Science
3
Business, Math, Science and/or Technology
(1 course from math,1 course from technology)
 
8
Core Program
PARA 101 Intro to Paraeducation
1
HPER 210 First Aid/CPR
1-2
ENGL 238 Children's Literature
3
COMM 2l2 Interpersonal Communication
3
PSYC 250 Developmental Psychology
3
EDUC 250 Introduction to Education
2
EDUC 298 Pre-Professional Experience
1
MATH 277 Math for Elementary
3-4
Program Electives (select 12 credits)
SPED 101 Intro to Developmental Disabilities
3
SPED 110 Into to Exceptional Children
3
SPED 120 Intro to Behavior Intervention
3
CHLD 123 Activities for Children
3
CHLD 186 Family Studies
3
COOP 197 Cooperative Education/Internship
(maximum of 6 credits may be used)
1-3
EDUC 150 Into to Early Childhood Education
3
PARA 210 Classroom Management
3
PSYC 211 Intro to Behavior Modification
3
PSYC 230 Educational Pyschology
3
SWK 257 Human Behavior in the Social Environment
4


BENEFITS

This program will allow you to:

  • access flexible and affordable education close to home that is technology based
  • demonstrate your accumulated knowledge and experience while you learn from faculty at various ND colleges.
  • increase your competencies in math, reading, and language to meet student needs
  • establish a career ladder to a teaching profession if desired
  • meet the NCLB requirements for employment or job retention
  • receive college credit for years of experience

Certification Questions:
Questions regarding certification should be directed to Nita Wirtz, ND Dept. of Public Instruction, 701-328-1876, nwirtz@mail.dpi.state.nd.us

For more information, contact one of the following colleges:

 

Bismarck State College Lane.Huber@bsc.nodak.edu Distance Education Director (701) 662-1508

Lake Region State College Grace.Bruno@lrsc.nodak.edu Distance Education Director (701) 662-1508

Minot State University-Bottineau nahinurk@misu.nodak.edu Distance Education Coordinator
(701) 228-5479

 

Lake Region State College Margaret.Wall@ndscs.nodak.edu Distance Education Director
1-800-342-4325 ext. 3-2430

Williston State College
Betty.Anderson@wsc.nodak.edu
Distance Education Director
1-888-863-9455 ext. 4238

 

This program is delivered through the North Dakota University System Office. These institutions are accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 312-263-0456, 800-621-7440, Fax: 312-263-7462
___________________________________________________

Bismarck State College, Lake Region State College, Minot State University-Bottineau, North Dakota State College of Science and Williston State College are fully committed to equal opportunity in employment decisions and educational programs and activities, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, status with regard to marriage or public assistance, or participation in lawful activity off the employer's premises during non-working hours which is not in direct conflict with the essential business-related intrests of the employer.

© 2007 Williston State College