Instructional Assistant and Language Testing
Join SVUSD in preparing today's students for tomorrow's world.
Requirements for all Instructional Assistant positions
Instructional Assistant applicants are required to provide one of the following documents with their application (attach document to application in EdJoin):
- Proof of passage of CBEST
- Proof of 48 units or an AA degree or higher from an accredited institution in the US
- SVUSD Proficiency Exam with passing scores (if none of the above are available)
To register to take a Proficiency Exam or Language Exam click HERE.
The exam may take up to 3 hours and can be scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon or 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Photo ID is required to take the proficiency exam.
Applicants may not be hired unless the requirements are met.
Additional testing for English as a Second Language positions is conducted by appointment.
Instructional Assistant Proficiency Test and No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Requirements
Why do I need to be NCLB qualified to be an Instructional Assistant with SVUSD?
As a paraprofessional working in a public school you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and meet a rigorous standard of quality through local assessment, as required by the Federal NCLB Act of 2001.
The California State Board of Education requires individual districts to qualify their paraprofessionals. SVUSD provides a Proficiency Test for their paraprofessionals to meet this requirement. These tests are comprehensive and may ask questions that have little relevance to a paraprofessional’s current position. For example, how much algebra do you need to know in order to work with elementary students? SVUSD has a commitment to our students to hire paraprofessionals who are NCLB qualified, which includes being knowledgeable in all core academic subjects. Even though some knowledge may not be directly relevant to his/her current position, the paraprofessional’s assignment may change while employed by the District.
If you have a minimum of 48 units from an accredited college or university, an Associate's Degree, or a Bachelor's Degree you meet the requirements and do not need to take the Proficiency Test.
What is included in SVUSD’s Proficiency Test?
The test contains 95 multiple choice questions which assess knowledge in the core academic subjects.
The main components of the SVUSD Proficiency Test include:
- Reading comprehension
- Language expression
- Study skills
- Pre-Algebra and Algebra
- Geometry
- Writing sample
The test passpoint is 75% for each individual test. The time allowed for the exam is approximately 3 hours. Calculators cannot be used during the test.
Instructional Assistant Sample Proficiency Tests
What positions are available? How do I apply?
Click to see Job Info and Apps
What testing tutorials are available?
You may access various free tutorials online for assistance. Some websites may ask you to join in order to be able to access all of their information, but there are free portions within the site. You will find tutorials at the following websites:
Math:
Reading:
CAHSEE:
General:
Grammar: