MN SF2538

Requires a minimum of 16 hours of paid orientation or professional development annually for all paraprofessionals, Title I aides, and other instructional support staff before the first instructional day of the school year.

Mandates that orientation or professional development be relevant to the employee's occupation and may include collaboration time with classroom teachers and planning for the school year.

Specifies that for paraprofessionals providing direct support to students with disabilities, at least 50 percent of the professional development or orientation must address disability-specific needs, behavioral support, understanding individual student needs, and implementing instructional procedures.

Requires school administrators to provide annual certification of compliance with the 16-hour paid orientation or professional development requirement to the commissioner.

Maintains existing requirements that paraprofessionals develop knowledge and skills in emergency procedures, building orientation, roles and responsibilities, confidentiality, and reportability before or at the time of employment.