Finding Text
Criteria
Michigan Department of Education requires that Paraprofessionals hired after January 2, 2022, and charged to Title I meet one of the following requirements:
a) Complete at least two years of study at an accredited institution of higher education (equal to 60 semester hours) *; or
b). Obtain an associate degree (or higher); or
c). Meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through passage of an approved formal state academic assessment in the following areas.
i. Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics; or
ii. Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.
Condition
Controls were inadequate to ensure the Academy maintained responsibility for compliance with eligibility standards when assigning teachers.
Questioned Costs
Questioned costs include the wages, benefits, and applicable charges for the two employees who were unqualified to perform Title I services, totaling $46,673.
Context
During the testing of Title I staff qualification, we discovered two employees who didn’t meet the paraprofessional requirements.
Cause and Effect
The Academy hired an individual that didn’t meet the requirements.
Recommendation
We recommend the human resource department work with the Title I coordinator to ensure that the assigned staff meets the teacher’s eligibility standards.
Management’s Response
The Academy has put in place a Title I Coordinator to work with the Human Resources Department to ensure that the assigned staff meets the teacher’s eligibility standards for Title I.