HB 6844 Summary

• Local and regional boards of education must provide paraeducators with at least 18 hours of annual professional development at no cost, with a majority in small group or individual settings, effective July 1, 2023.

• Professional development programs must focus on improving paraeducator effectiveness, refining instructional methods, and integrating social-emotional learning and restorative practices, but may not include mandated trainings on blood-borne pathogens, DCF policies, or sexual harassment.

• At least one paraeducator must be included on each school district's professional development and evaluation committee, selected by the exclusive bargaining representative for paraeducators.

• The Department of Education must collect paraeducator data in the state-wide public school information system including total number employed, job title, hourly rate, working hours, health care contributions, and salary, with unique identifiers assigned to each paraeducator.

• By December 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, the Department of Education must report to the legislature on paraeducator staffing levels in each district, including number of vacancies, paraeducator-to-student ratios, and impact of vacancies on student learning.