S. 2330 — Preparing And Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act

This section establishes a program under which the Secretary of Education makes allotments to state educational agencies (SEAs), allocated pro rata based on their local educational agencies' prior-year share of part A of title I funds, to support recruitment and retention of paraprofessionals in public elementary schools, secondary schools, and preschool programs. SEAs may reserve up to 5% of funds for administration and statewide activities and must use the remainder for competitive subgrants to eligible entities for activities such as (1) evidence-based induction and mentoring programs to improve instruction, student achievement, and retention; (2) high-quality professional development; (3) skills, credentials, or certifications (e.g., special education, English learner, advanced paraeducator, or teaching certifications); and (4) wage increases or bonus incentives. In awarding subgrants, SEAs must prioritize eligible entities serving high numbers or percentages of low-income children (defined to include those eligible for National School Lunch Program, certain community eligibility provision schools, TANF, or Medicaid), rural areas (locale codes 41-43), or schools receiving specified National School Lunch Act payments. SEAs must apply to the Secretary with required assurances, eligible entities must apply to SEAs, and SEAs must submit annual reports to the Secretary including disaggregated paraprofessional pay baselines.