1. The Legislature finds and declares that as school districts that receive federal funding under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.) come under greater pressure to meet standards and demonstrate higher student performance, teachers in those districts are being forced to focus more on curriculum and student test preparation. In response to this pressure, the paraprofessionals that assist teachers are assuming greater responsibility for supporting students in the classroom and the school environment. Paraprofessionals perform a critically important role in providing a thorough and efficient education to the State‘s public school students. It is therefore fitting and proper to establish measures to enhance employment stability and promote professional development for these individuals.

L.2009, c.227, s.1.