Paraeducators, often called teacher aides or teacher assistants, are instrumental to how classrooms function every day. They work alongside teachers to provide hands‑on instructional support, reinforce lessons, assist with classroom routines, and help create inclusive, supportive learning environments. As classrooms become more diverse and instructional demands increase, paraeducators are playing a larger and more visible role in supporting both teachers and students. 

Yet, preparation programs for paraeducators have not always reflected these realities. Their licensure and training have historically focused on minimum content expectations, such as basic reading, writing, and math, giving far less attention to the practical, day‑to‑day classroom support paraeducators are expected to provide. 

The Praxis program is responding to this need with ParaPathways, a modern successor to ParaPro, long recognized as the gold standard for paraprofessional licensure assessments. 

Aligning Licensure to Today’s Classrooms 

Launched in late 2025, ParaPathways aligns to current federal paraeducator standards, combining updated assessments with practice‑based tools that help paraeducators build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in today’s classrooms. 

The assessment includes reading and writing content grounded in the science of reading, math content aligned to current classroom instruction, as well as two subtests, Math and Reading & Writing, so candidates can retake only the section they need. 

The result is a more flexible, content‑ and skills‑focused assessment designed to support paraeducator readiness with the skills needed to thrive in today’s classrooms. 

Building Critical Skills Through High‑Leverage Practices 

District leaders often report that paraeducators attend professional development designed for teachers, which does not align with their responsibilities, or receive no structured training at all. This creates a gap between what paraeducators know and what they are expected to do when they enter a classroom. 

That’s why the ParaPathways suite includes optional High‑Leverage Practice (HLP) training modules in addition to the main licensure assessment. Through AI-enabled simulations, paraeducators can practice realistic classroom scenarios such as asking follow‑up questions, supporting a student who is struggling, and contributing to an inclusive learning environment.  

Shifting the Focus from Minimum Qualification to Meaningful Preparation 

Paraeducators bring classroom experience, community roots, and long‑term commitment to schools, and they deserve the best tools for their journey. 

By introducing ParaPathways and expanding access to practice‑based learning through High‑Leverage Practice modules, the Praxis program is shifting the focus toward what matters most, helping paraeducators build the skills and confidence they need to support teachers and improve learning for students every day. 

Ready to learn more?