Parapro Assessment Preparation Tips
Are you a paraprofessional in New York looking to take the ParaPro Assessment? Preparing for the exam is crucial in order to have a better chance of passing on your first try. The exam assesses skills and knowledge related to subjects that are relevant for supporting classroom instruction. Whether you’re a first year paraprofessional in NY or looking to grow as a paraprofessional, adequate preparation can make a significant difference in your test results. Below is our list of ParaPro Assessment preparation tips to help you pass the exam on your first try.
What is the ParaPro Assessment?
The ParaPro Assessment is a comprehensive exam for paraprofessionals and allows schools to assess a candidate’s proficiency. The ParaPro Assessment was created as a response to the No Child Left Behind Act. The No Child Left Behind Act was a federal law stating that Paraprofessionals must meet one of three requirements. In 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) replaced the No Child Left Behind Act.
One of the biggest non-profit educational assessment organizations, Educational Testing Service (ETS), developed the ParaPro Assessment. The test allows users 2.5 hours to complete 90 questions.
What Kind of Questions are on the ParaPro Assessment?
The ParaPro Assessment covers three subjects; Math, Reading, and Writing. Each subject will be 30 questions each. The mathematics section of the exam requires the test taker to have and apply knowledge and skills in four basic areas of math. The areas of math covered on the exam are number sense, basic algebra, geometry and measurement, and data analysis. All of the questions reflect skills that are commonly taught from elementary to high school levels.
The reading section of the ParaPro Assessment determines if you have the knowledge and skills of an excellent reader that can also be applied to helping students in the classroom. The questions in this section include reading passages, diagrams, charts, tables, and graphs. You may be asked to identify the main idea or primary purpose of a passage, determine whether information presented is an opinion or fact, and determine the meanings of phrases or words in context.
Lastly, the writing section of the ParaPro Assessment tests your knowledge and skills and your ability to apply those to classroom instruction. Questions in the knowledge and skills section may include spotting errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and usage. The second category of questions is testing your ability to apply your knowledge and skills to students in the classroom. These questions may include developing main ideas for paragraphs or revising sentences.
Parapro Assessment Preparation Tips
Below are some of our ParaPro Assessment preparation tips to help you pass on the first try:
Create a Study Plan
Take a look at your calendar to set aside certain days or times to study for the exam. Set specific goals you want to achieve leading up to the assessment date.
Review Exam Content
After you’ve created a study plan for when you’ll sit down to study for the ParaPro Assessment, you’ll need to review the exam content during these times. You should be well versed in what type of questions you will encounter on the exam. Understanding the content and structure of a test is essential before diving into your preparation process. The exam aims to evaluate your ability to assist in classroom instruction efficiently. Research some study guide materials for the assessment online provided by ETS to help you familiarize yourself with question formats content areas, and the level of difficulty to be expected.
Assess Your Skills
There are plenty of free resources you can use online to assess your skills. Since the ParaPro Assessment has a broad range of subjects you will be tested on, taking a diagnostic test will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses in reading, writing, and math. This assessment test will highlight areas that may need extra attention during your study sessions.
Use Your Resources
As I just mentioned, there are plenty of free resources online that you can use to your advantage. Research study guides, practice tests, and instructional videos. The company that is the creator of the test, ETS, provides many official tests that were used previously. Using these resources is the best way to get a clear understanding of what you will encounter.
Enhance Your Reading, Writing, and Mathematical Skills
Practice tests aren’t the only great resource to help you prepare for the assessment. Consider reading a variety of articles, literature, and texts to enhance your reading comprehension skills. For writing, practice writing essays or responses to prompts that reflect the writing tasks on the exam. Focus on structuring your writing effectively by using proper punctuation and conveying ideas clearly. Lastly, for math, review fundamental math concepts and practice solving math problems under timed conditions to improve accuracy.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
It seems as if we typically sacrifice our sleep when we feel overwhelmed or stressed when resting is actually one of the body’s most critical biological functions. Getting a good night’s sleep can improve your test performance. Sleep helps improve memory, reduces stress, and aids your overall health.
Eat a Nutritious Meal
Eating a nutritious meal goes hand in hand with getting a good night’s sleep. Fueling your body will help you stay focused and give you energy. You may want to eat a little extra protein the morning of your exam since protein contributes to good mental clarity and overall concentration.
Final Thoughts
As with any important exam, it’s always crucial to prepare yourself ahead of time. Although some Paraprofessional jobs in NY may not require the Parapro Assessment, it’s something to look into as it will make you a more valuable candidate. If you’re looking to take the exam soon, be sure to take our Parapro Assessment preparation tips into consideration. By taking the time to fully prepare yourself, you’ll have a higher chance at acing the exam on the first try. If you’re looking for a paraprofessional job in NY, apply online today and one of our recruiters will connect you with your next job!