Why We Built ParaPathways: Responding to a Growing Need

Across the country, paraeducators are stepping into increasingly vital roles in classrooms—supporting instruction, managing learning environments, and helping address persistent teacher shortages. Yet, as highlighted in recent research from the Stanford Center for Assessment, Learning, and Equity (SCALE)1, paraeducators often lack the professional tools, training, and recognition they need to thrive.

This gap in support was echoed in our conversations with state and district leaders. The message was clear: paraeducators need more than just a modern content test—they need tools that reflect their evolving responsibilities and help them grow into confident, effective classroom professionals.

That’s why ETS developed ParaPathways—a modern assessment with refreshed test content, more aligned to what’s being taught in classrooms today. Included in this refresh was the creation of the High Leverage Practice Modules that provide professional learning designed to support them at every stage of their journey.

What’s New: A Smarter, More Supportive Assessment

The ParaPathways Assessment is a significant evolution from the traditional ParaPro test. It introduces:

• Refreshed Content: Aligned with today’s classroom standards, including Science of Reading principles and real-world instructional scenarios.
• Modular Subtests: Candidates can now retake only the section they need to improve—Math or Reading & Writing—rather than the entire test.
• Improved Policies: Shorter retake wait times and calculator use are now allowed, providing additional support to test takers.
• Diagnostic Score Reports: More actionable insights to guide preparation and growth.

These changes reflect a shift from a one-size-fits-all model to a more flexible, learner-centered approach—one that values paraeducators’ time, effort, and potential.

Beyond Testing: Building Real-World Skills with HLP Modules

Recognizing that content knowledge alone isn’t enough, ETS also developed High-Leverage Practice (HLP) Modules—interactive, self-paced learning experiences that build essential classroom skills.

These modules are not tied to licensure or scoring. Instead, they focus on practical, high-impact areas such as:

• Creating Positive Classroom Climates
• Engaging Students with Subject Matter
• Eliciting Student Thinking

Grounded in ETS’s learning science research, the modules simulate real classroom scenarios, helping paraeducators build confidence and competence in the skills that matter most. These modules can be used to support pre-service preparation or professional development for current paraprofessionals. 

Early Adoption Incentive - Free Testing

We’re celebrating the launch of ParaPathways with an unprecedented offer! All candidates will test for free and receive a free Interactive Practice Test between September 1 and December 31, 2025*. Take advantage of this opportunity to support your paraeducators at no cost.

If your district or state is ready to elevate paraeducator support and strengthen the teacher pipeline, now is the time to act.

📩 Contact Cory Galano, Executive Director of Paraeducator Solutions, at cgalano@ets.org to learn more or schedule a meeting.

*Free testing does not apply to Parapro or access to High Leverage Practice Modules (HLPs). Adoption must be secured by October 1, 2025. All unused session keys expire on 12/31/25.

1.      "Paraeducators: Growth, Diversity and a Dearth of Professional Supports" by Biraj Bisht, Zachary LeClair, Susanna Loeb, and Min Sun. Published by the Stanford Center for Assessment, Learning, and Equity (SCALE), November 2021.