This free ParaPathways study guide covers everything the ETS ParaPathways Assessment (5757) measures, organized by the four content categories and 41 topics in ETS’s ParaPathways Study Companion.[2] It teaches the reading, writing, and math skills themselves and how a paraeducator uses them to help a student under a teacher’s direction.
It’s interactive: every module ends with a checkpoint quiz, dotted terms open definitions, and the tables quiz you back. When a topic needs more reps, send it to our free practice test and flashcards.
ParaPathways is built for people preparing to become, or already working as, . It has two : Reading and Writing (5758), 51 questions in 85 minutes, and Mathematics (5759), 36 questions in 60 minutes with an on-screen calculator.[3][5] Each is scored on a 310–350 scale, and your state sets a for each one.[4]
ParaPathways Assessment Snapshot
| Detail | ParaPathways Assessment |
|---|---|
| Publisher | ETS (Educational Testing Service) |
| Test codes | 5757 (both subtests); 5758 Reading and Writing; 5759 Mathematics |
| Purpose | Qualify paraeducators, including under the federal ESSA assessment route |
| Format | Computer-delivered, in English; selected-response plus other formats such as numeric entry |
| Reading and Writing (5758) | 51 questions, 85 minutes (Reading ≈30, Writing ≈21) |
| Mathematics (5759) | 36 questions, 60 minutes (Numbers and Operations ≈18; Geometry, Measurement, & Data Analysis ≈18) |
| Calculator | On-screen four-function calculator on Mathematics |
| Scores | 310–350 per subtest; a state/district cut applies to each (ETS sets none) |
| Fee (2026–27) | $75 at home or $59 at a test center; one subtest $37.50 / $29.50 |
| Not the same as | The ParaPro (1755) — one 90-question test, 420–480 scale, no calculator |
5758 · Reading and Writing
51 questions · 85 minutes
Reading
≈30 QComprehension, word meaning, fluency, phonemes and phonics, inference, tone, structure, data displays, evidence, text discussion.
Writing
≈21 QStandard English conventions, clear writing, the writing process, credible sources, citation, argument, text features, narrative, technology.
5759 · Mathematics
36 questions · 60 minutes · on-screen calculator
Numbers and Operations
≈18 QIntegers, fractions, decimals, percents, number forms, math terms, exponents, order of operations, word problems, equations.
Geometry, Measurement, & Data Analysis
≈18 QTime, volume and mass, unit conversions, 2-D shapes, perimeter, area, volume, coordinates, data displays, mean, median, mode, range.
Which Test Does Your State Accept? ParaPro vs. ParaPathways
ETS lists 45 states and jurisdictions that use its paraeducator tests: 20 accept only ParaPathways (5757), 7 accept either test (some only in certain districts or only for a limited time), and 18 accept only the ParaPro (1755). ParaPathways is not a replacement for the ParaPro everywhere — ETS sells both in 2026–27, so check your row before you study. ETS sets no passing score; the scores below are the qualifying scores each state or district has set. A ParaPathways cut applies to each subtest.
Show all 45 jurisdictions — ParaPathways only 20 · Both 7 · ParaPro only 18
| Jurisdiction | Accepts | ParaPro (1755) score | ParaPathways (5757) scores |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | ParaPro only | 459 | — |
| Arizona | ParaPro only | 459 | — |
| Arkansas | Both | 457 · accepted through Aug. 31, 2027 | 5758: 322 · 5759: 325 |
| California | ParaPro only | 11 districts: 445–460 | — |
| Colorado | ParaPro only | 460 | — |
| Connecticut | ParaPathways only | — | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 |
| Delaware | Both | 459 | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 |
| District of Columbia | ParaPathways only | — | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 |
| Florida | Both (varies by district) | 12 districts: 440–464 | Hernando County School District: 5758 332 · 5759 334 |
| Hawaii | ParaPathways only | — | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 |
| Idaho | ParaPathways only | — | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 |
| Illinois | ParaPro only | 460 | — |
| Indiana | ParaPathways only | — | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 |
| Kansas | ParaPro only | 455 | — |
| Louisiana | ParaPathways only | — | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 |
| Maine | ParaPro only | 459 | — |
| Maryland | Both | 455 · accepted through Aug. 31, 2027 | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 |
| Massachusetts | ParaPro only | 464 | — |
| Michigan | ParaPro only | 460 | — |
| Minnesota | Both | 455 | 5758: 332 · 5759: 332 |
| Missouri | ParaPathways only | — | 5758: 322 · 5759: 325 |
| Montana | ParaPro only | 1 district: 450 | — |
| Nebraska | ParaPro only | 456 | — |
| Nevada | ParaPathways only | — | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 |
| New Hampshire | ParaPro only | 460 | — |
| New Jersey | ParaPro only | 456 | — |
| New Mexico | ParaPathways only | — | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 |
| North Dakota | ParaPathways only | — | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 |
| Ohio | ParaPro only | 456 | — |
| Oklahoma | ParaPathways only | — | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 |
| Oregon | ParaPro only | 455 | — |
| Pennsylvania | ParaPro only | 7 districts: 459–462 | — |
| Rhode Island | ParaPathways only (ETS: ParaPro discontinued as of Mar. 1, 2026) | — | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 |
| South Carolina | ParaPathways only | — | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 |
| South Dakota | ParaPathways only | — | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 |
| Tennessee | ParaPathways only | — | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 |
| Texas | ParaPro only | 8 districts: 455–467 | — |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | ParaPro only | 466 | — |
| Utah | ParaPathways only | — | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 |
| Vermont | ParaPathways only | — | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 |
| Virginia | ParaPathways only | — | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 · effective Sept. 1, 2026 |
| Washington | ParaPathways only | — | 5758: 324 · 5759: 325 |
| West Virginia | ParaPathways only | — | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 |
| Wisconsin | Both (ParaPro only in listed districts) | 2 districts: 460 | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 |
| Wyoming | Both | 462 | 5758: 332 · 5759: 334 |
Source: ETS, ParaPathways and ParaPro state requirements (parapro.ets.org), retrieved September 27, 2026. District names and scores for California, Florida, Montana, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin are listed in full on ETS’s page. ETS advises confirming with your state or local education agency before you schedule.
Scoring, Retakes & Test Day
ETS does not set a passing score; each state, district, or agency that uses ParaPathways sets its own qualifying score for each subtest.[3] ETS’s multi-state standard-setting panel recommended 332 on Reading and Writing (28 of 45 scored questions) and 334 on Mathematics (20 of 30), and most states listed by ETS adopted that pair.[5][4]
5758 Reading and Writing
5759 Mathematics
| Topic | What ETS says |
|---|---|
| Retakes | Once right away; then wait 21 days after the most recent attempt for two more — the 21-day wait repeats after every two attempts |
| Composite takers | Cannot retake a single subtest (5758 or 5759) more than once until the 21-day period has passed |
| Unofficial score | On screen at the end (printable at a participating district; view-only at home) |
| Official score | In your ETS account and sent to one recipient about one week after the test; extra reports $50 each |
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID matching your registration |
| At home | Start check-in 15 minutes early; 12 minutes late forfeits the fee; erasable whiteboard or transparency for notes |
| Prohibited | Phones, watches, and personal calculators |
It does (four functions)
- Add
- Subtract
- Multiply
- Divide
It does not
- Apply the order of operations for you
- Add or divide fractions in fraction form
- Evaluate exponents like 2⁵ in one key
- Convert units or set up a word problem
- Tell you whether a numeric-entry answer is reasonable
Module 1 · Reading (5758)
About 30 questions — the largest category on the test. ETS lists twelve Reading topics, from comprehension and vocabulary to the foundational skills behind early reading: phonemes, syllables, phonics, and fluency, plus supporting students in text-based discussion.[2]
1.1 Main Idea, Summary & Details
The is what the whole passage is about; are the facts, examples, and reasons that develop it. ETS asks you to identify the main idea, summarize the primary purpose, and find the key supporting details.[2]
| Skill | What to do |
|---|---|
| Main idea | Name the point every paragraph develops — not one detail and not something bigger than the passage |
| Summary | Restate the beginning, middle, and end of the main point in one or two sentences |
| Primary purpose | Decide why the whole text was written — to inform, persuade, or entertain |
| Supporting detail | Pick the fact or example that actually develops the main idea |
1.2 Word Meaning in Context
ETS tests the meaning of words and phrases as they are used, using prefixes, suffixes, root words, , and reference tools such as online dictionaries and glossaries.[2]
| Strategy | Example |
|---|---|
| Prefix | mis- (wrongly): misinterpret · pre- (before): preview · un- (not): unbreakable |
| Suffix | -less (without): fearless · -logy (study of): biology · -able (can be): readable |
| Root | port (carry): transport, portable, export |
| Contrast clue | "Unlike his gregarious sister, Sam sat alone" → gregarious means sociable |
| Reference tool | A dictionary entry gives pronunciation, stress, and every meaning; test each meaning in the sentence |
1.3 Inference, Tone & Text Structure
An is a conclusion the text supports but does not state. ETS also tests how word choice shapes meaning and (humorous, sad, angry, lighthearted) and how a text’s develops its ideas.[2]
| Structure | Signal words |
|---|---|
| Cause and effect | because, so, as a result, therefore |
| Compare and contrast | similarly, however, unlike, in contrast |
| Problem and solution | problem, issue, solve, one answer is |
| Sequence of events | first, next, then, finally |
| Description | features, characteristics, for example |
1.4 Purpose, Data & Textual Evidence
ETS asks how the (background, beliefs, viewpoint) and purpose shape a text, how to read data in maps, tables, diagrams, charts, and graphs, and how the relevance of supports an argument or claim.[2]
| Task | Key move |
|---|---|
| Author's purpose | Persuade, inform, or entertain — a text can have a main and a secondary purpose |
| Perspective | Ask who wrote it and what they gain if you agree |
| Maps and graphs | Read the title, labels, legend, and scale before any value |
| Evidence | Strong evidence is relevant, specific, and from a reliable source |
1.5 Phonics, Fluency & Text Discussion
ParaPathways includes the foundations of early reading: that spoken words are made of and , grade-level phonics such as , , and , and . It also tests how a paraeducator supports text-based discussion — prompting students to ask and answer questions, share insights, and cite the text.[2]
Accuracy
Reading the words correctly — no skipping, adding, or substituting.
Typical support: Decoding practice at the student's level
Rate
An appropriate, conversational speed — not as fast as possible.
Typical support: Repeated reading of a short passage
Expression
Phrasing, pausing, and intonation that match the meaning (prosody).
Typical support: Echo reading and rereading dialogue
| Skill | Example |
|---|---|
| Phoneme count | ship = /sh/ /i/ /p/ (3 phonemes, 4 letters) |
| Blending | /k/ /a/ /t/ → cat |
| Segmenting | sun → /s/ /u/ /n/ |
| Digraph vs. blend | sh, ch, th, wh, ph (one sound) vs. bl, st, str (each sound heard) |
| Vowel team | ai in rain, oa in boat, ee in street |
Checkpoint · Reading
Question 1 of 10
Read the passage: "When Lincoln Elementary opened a school garden, teachers expected students to learn about plants. They did not expect the garden to change the lunchroom. Students who had grown lettuce and carrots began choosing salads at lunch, and cafeteria staff reported that vegetable waste fell by nearly a third during the first year." Which statement best expresses the main idea of the passage?
Module 2 · Writing (5758)
About 21 questions. ETS lists nine Writing topics: standard English conventions, clear and coherent writing, the writing process, credible sources, citing evidence, argument, informative text features, narrative elements, and the responsible use of technology.[2]
2.1 Conventions of Standard English
Conventions are the biggest Writing cluster: usage, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.[2] Expect , pronoun case, the , the , , and commonly confused words.
| Rule | Check |
|---|---|
| Subject-verb agreement | Cross out phrases between subject and verb: The box of photos IS on the shelf |
| Joining clauses | Period, semicolon, or comma + FANBOYS; however takes ; before and , after |
| Pronoun case | Objective after a preposition: to Maya and me; To whom… |
| Apostrophes | Possession (the teachers' lounge) or contraction (it's = it is) — never plurals |
| Confused words | its/it's · their/there/they're · affect (verb)/effect (noun) · fewer (count)/less (amount) |
2.2 Clear Writing & the Writing Process
ETS asks you to identify clear, coherent writing — developed, organized, and appropriate in style — and to improve writing through the writing process: planning, composing, and revising.[2] Know the difference between and .
- 1
Plan (prewrite)
Brainstorm and organize ideas with a list, web, or outline.
- 2
Compose (draft)
Turn the plan into sentences and paragraphs; content first, polish later.
- 3
Revise
Improve ideas, organization, and clarity — add, remove, move, or reword.
- 4
Edit
Fix capitalization, usage, punctuation, and spelling.
- 5
Publish
Share the finished piece — on paper or with digital tools.
2.3 Credible Sources & Citing Evidence
ETS names (journal articles, .edu and .gov sites) and noncredible ones (social media posts, blogs, tabloids), and three ways to cite evidence: , , and .[2]
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is it credible? | Named expert author, a date, a review process, no reason to mislead |
| Direct quotation | Exact words in quotation marks, plus a citation |
| Block quotation | A long quotation set off as an indented block |
| Paraphrase | Your own words and sentence structure — still cited |
| Omitted words | Show them with an ellipsis (…) |
2.4 Argument, Text Features & Narrative
ETS tests how writers use evidence and reasoning — facts, statistics, expert testimony — to support an argument, how informative text features (titles, transitions, formatting, graphics) aid comprehension, and the narrative elements of character, plot, , and setting.[2]
| Element | What it is |
|---|---|
| Claim | The debatable position the writer argues for |
| Evidence | Facts, statistics, expert testimony that support the claim |
| Counterclaim | The opposing view a strong argument answers |
| Headings, captions, bold print | Features that preview sections, explain images, and flag key terms |
| Plot, setting, theme | What happens, where and when, and the story's central message |
2.5 Technology & Supporting Writers
ETS’s last Writing topic is supporting the responsible use of technology for writing and collaboration: the internet, AI tools, document sharing, whiteboards, and devices.[2] The right answer follows the teacher’s rules, protects privacy, credits sources, and keeps the student doing the writing.
Checkpoint · Writing
Question 1 of 10
Which sentence uses correct subject-verb agreement?
Module 3 · Numbers & Operations (5759)
About 18 questions. ETS lists ten topics: arithmetic with integers, fractions, and decimals; percents; forms of numbers on the number line; math terminology and symbols; exponents; order of operations; word problems; and one-variable linear equations.[2]
3.1 Integers, Fractions & Decimals
Work confidently with , fractions, and decimals in all four operations. To divide by a fraction, multiply by its .
| Task | Key move |
|---|---|
| Signs | Same signs → positive; different signs → negative; subtracting a negative = adding |
| Add or subtract fractions | Common denominator first: 2/3 + 1/4 = 8/12 + 3/12 = 11/12 |
| Multiply fractions | Straight across: 3/4 × 2/5 = 6/20 = 3/10 |
| Divide fractions | Keep, change, flip: 2/3 ÷ 4/9 = 2/3 × 9/4 = 1 1/2 |
| Decimals | Line up the points to add; count decimal places to multiply (0.6 × 0.4 = 0.24) |
3.2 Percents, Number Forms & Math Terms
Solve problems with , move between fractions, decimals, and percents, place numbers on a number line, and read math vocabulary such as sum, difference, product, , numerator, and denominator, and symbols such as <, >, and ≠.[2]
| Task | How |
|---|---|
| Percent of a number | Decimal × whole: 15% of 80 = 0.15 × 80 = 12 |
| What percent? | Part ÷ whole × 100: 18 ÷ 72 = 25% |
| Percent change | (new − old) ÷ OLD × 100: 2,000 → 2,300 is a 15% increase |
| Benchmarks | 1/4 = 0.25 = 25% · 3/8 = 0.375 · 3/5 = 0.6 = 60% |
| Ordering | Compare place by place: 0.7 > 0.699 > 0.65 |
3.3 Exponents & Order of Operations
An tells how many times the base is a factor: 3⁴ = 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 = 81, and any nonzero number to the zero power is 1. The gives every expression one value.[2]
| Step | Rule |
|---|---|
| 1. Parentheses | Work inside grouping symbols first |
| 2. Exponents | Evaluate powers: (6 + 2)² = 8² = 64 |
| 3. Multiply and divide | Left to right, equal priority: 12 ÷ 3 × 2 = 8 |
| 4. Add and subtract | Left to right, equal priority |
3.4 Word Problems & Linear Equations
Translate words into numeric calculations or simple expressions and equations, then solve one-variable linear equations with inverse operations, isolating the .[2]
| Words | Math |
|---|---|
| 5 less than a number n | n − 5 (not 5 − n) |
| 25 dollars a month plus 5 dollars per gigabyte | 25 + 5g |
| The sum of a number and 12 is 30 | n + 12 = 30 |
| 3x + 7 = 22 | Subtract 7 → 3x = 15 → divide by 3 → x = 5 |
Checkpoint · Numbers & Operations
Question 1 of 10
What is the value of −8 + 15?
Module 4 · Geometry, Measurement & Data (5759)
About 18 questions. ETS lists seven geometry and measurement topics and three data-analysis topics: time, liquid volume, and mass; measuring and estimating; converting units within a system; two-dimensional shapes; perimeter, area, surface area, and volume; the coordinate plane; geometric word problems and helping students solve them; and summarizing data, including mean, median, mode, and range.[2]
4.1 Time, Measurement & Conversions
Tell time to the nearest minute, find elapsed time, measure liquid volume and mass, estimate lengths, and convert units within the U.S. customary or metric system.[2]
| System | Facts |
|---|---|
| Time | 60 s = 1 min · 60 min = 1 h · 9:45 to 11:10 = 1 h 25 min (count to the next hour first) |
| U.S. length | 12 in = 1 ft · 3 ft = 1 yd · 5,280 ft = 1 mi |
| U.S. weight and volume | 16 oz = 1 lb · 2 cups = 1 pint · 2 pints = 1 quart · 4 quarts = 1 gallon |
| Metric | 1 km = 1,000 m · 1 m = 100 cm · 1 kg = 1,000 g · 1 L = 1,000 mL |
| Direction | To a smaller unit, multiply; to a larger unit, divide |
4.2 Shapes, Perimeter, Area & Volume
Classify triangles, rectangles, and regular polygons, and solve word problems with , , surface area, and .[2]
| Measure | Formula |
|---|---|
| Rectangle perimeter / area | P = 2l + 2w · A = l × w |
| Triangle area | A = ½ × base × height; angles sum to 180° |
| Rectangular prism | V = l × w × h · SA = 2(lw + lh + wh) |
| Circle | C = 2πr · A = πr² (π ≈ 3.14) |
| Quadrilateral angles | Sum to 360° |
4.3 The Coordinate Plane
Identify points in the xy-coordinate plane. An (x, y) means move across by x from the origin, then up or down by y.[2]
| Idea | Rule |
|---|---|
| Origin | (0, 0), where the axes cross |
| Quadrants | I (+, +) · II (−, +) · III (−, −) · IV (+, −) |
| On an axis | x = 0 on the y-axis; y = 0 on the x-axis |
| Vertical distance | Same x: subtract the y-values — (2, 3) to (2, 9) is 6 units |
4.4 Data Displays & Statistics
Summarize and interpret one-variable data in lists and tables and two-variable data in bar charts, line graphs, circle graphs, and pictographs, and compute the , , , and .[2]
| Measure or display | Remember |
|---|---|
| Mean | Sum ÷ count; an outlier pulls it toward the outlier |
| Median | Middle of the SORTED list; average the two middles if the count is even |
| Mode / range | Most frequent value / greatest − least |
| Circle graph | The whole is 100% (360°); 25% is a quarter of the circle |
| Pictograph | Read the key: 3½ stars at 10 books per star = 35 books |
Checkpoint · Geometry, Measurement & Data
Question 1 of 10
A class starts at 9:45 a.m. and ends at 11:10 a.m. How long is the class?
How to Use This ParaPathways Study Guide
- Confirm your test first. Check the state table above or ETS’s state page — if your state accepts only the ParaPro, use our ParaPro study guide instead.
- Find both of your cut scores. Your state sets one for each subtest; aim above both.
- Study in proportion. Reading (≈30 questions) deserves the most time, then Writing (≈21), then the two math categories (≈18 each).
- Check yourself after each module. The checkpoint shows which topics need another pass, and checking off sections raises your exam-readiness score.
- Time each subtest separately. Use our practice test at about 100 seconds per question.
- Drill terms daily. Short flashcard sessions keep phonics terms, grammar rules, and unit facts fresh.
ParaPathways Concept Questions
Common ParaPathways concepts students search while studying — each answered briefly and backed by ETS's own Study Companion. Test yourself, then drill them as flashcards.
ParaPathways Glossary
The high-yield ParaPathways terms across Reading, Writing, and Mathematics in one place — hover any dotted term in the guide, or flip the whole deck here as a self-grading flashcard set.
- Area
- The surface a flat figure covers, in square units.
- Author's perspective
- The background, beliefs, and viewpoint that shape what an author writes.
- Block quotation
- A long quotation set off as an indented block without quotation marks.
- Comma splice
- Two independent clauses joined by only a comma.
- Consonant blend
- Two or three consonants whose sounds are each heard, such as bl or str.
- Consonant digraph
- Two consonants that make one sound, such as sh, ch, th, or ph.
- Context clues
- Nearby words or sentences that reveal an unfamiliar word's meaning.
- Counterclaim
- An opposing view that a strong argument acknowledges and answers.
- Credible source
- A trustworthy source such as a journal article or an .edu or .gov site, with a named author and date.
- Editing
- Correcting a draft's capitalization, usage, punctuation, and spelling.
- Exponent
- A raised number showing how many times the base is a factor: 2⁵ = 32.
- In-text citation
- A brief note in the text showing where a quotation or idea came from.
- Inference
- A conclusion drawn from text clues plus reasoning when the author does not state it outright.
- Integer
- A whole number or its opposite, including zero.
- Main idea
- The central point of a passage — what the whole text is mostly about.
- Mean
- The average — the sum of the values divided by how many there are.
- Median
- The middle value of an ordered data set.
- Mode
- The most frequent value in a data set.
- Numeric entry
- A math question with no answer choices, where you type the number yourself.
- Order of operations
- Parentheses, exponents, multiplication and division left to right, then addition and subtraction left to right.
- Ordered pair
- A point's coordinates (x, y): across by x, then up or down by y.
- Paraeducator
- A trained classroom aide who supports students under a certified teacher's direction; also called a paraprofessional.
- Parallel structure
- Using the same grammatical form for items in a series or comparison.
- ParaPathways
- ETS's ParaPathways Assessment (5757): two separately scored subtests, Reading and Writing (5758) and Mathematics (5759). A different test from the ParaPro (1755).
- Paraphrase
- A source's idea restated in your own words — still cited.
- Percent
- A ratio out of 100; 25% = 0.25.
- Perimeter
- The distance around a flat figure.
- Phoneme
- The smallest unit of sound in spoken language, such as /b/ in bat.
- Pretest question
- An unscored trial question mixed into the test; about six appear in each ParaPathways subtest and you are not told which.
- Prosody
- Reading with expression — phrasing, pausing, and intonation that match the meaning.
- Qualifying score
- The minimum score a state or district requires on each subtest; ETS itself sets no passing score.
- Quotient
- The result of division.
- Range
- The greatest value minus the least value.
- Reading fluency
- Reading with accuracy, at an appropriate rate, and with expression.
- Reciprocal
- The number you multiply by to get 1; the reciprocal of 4/9 is 9/4.
- Revising
- Improving a draft's ideas, organization, and clarity.
- Sentence fragment
- A group of words missing a subject, a verb, or a complete thought.
- Subject-verb agreement
- A singular subject takes a singular verb and a plural subject a plural verb.
- Subtest
- One separately timed, separately scored part of ParaPathways — 5758 Reading and Writing or 5759 Mathematics.
- Supporting detail
- A fact, example, statistic, or reason that develops the main idea.
- Syllable
- A word part with one vowel sound; apple has two.
- Text structure
- How an author organizes ideas: problem/solution, cause/effect, compare/contrast, sequence, or description.
- Textual evidence
- Points, statistics, facts, quotations, or comparisons from a text that support a claim.
- Theme
- The central message or lesson about life that a story conveys.
- Tone
- The author's attitude toward a subject, shown through word choice.
- Variable
- A letter standing for an unknown number, such as x in 3x + 7 = 22.
- Volume
- The space a solid figure fills, in cubic units.
- Vowel team
- Two or more letters that spell one vowel sound, such as ea, ai, or oa.
ParaPathways Study Guide FAQ
ParaPathways (ETS test 5757) is an ETS assessment for people preparing to become, or already working as, paraeducators who support classroom teachers. It is two separately timed, separately scored subtests — Reading and Writing (5758) and Mathematics (5759) — that measure the reading, writing, and math skills a paraeducator needs, and the ability to apply them to help students.
No. ParaPathways is not the ParaPro's replacement. ETS sells both tests in the 2026–27 testing year and tells candidates to find out which one their state uses before scheduling. On ETS's state-requirements page, 20 of 45 jurisdictions accept only ParaPathways, 7 accept either, and 18 accept only the ParaPro — in those 18, ParaPathways replaced nothing.
Reading and Writing (5758) has 51 questions in 85 minutes, and Mathematics (5759) has 36 questions in 60 minutes — 87 questions and 145 minutes in all. ETS's approximate category counts are Reading 30, Writing 21, Numbers and Operations 18, and Geometry, Measurement, and Data Analysis 18. About six questions per subtest are unscored pretest items.
ETS does not set one. Each subtest is scored 310–350, and your state or district sets a qualifying score for each subtest — you must meet both. On ETS's state page the cuts run 322–332 on Reading and Writing and 325–334 on Mathematics; 332 and 334 is the most common pair.
Yes. ETS provides an on-screen four-function calculator on the Mathematics subtest (5759). Personal calculators are not allowed, and the on-screen calculator only adds, subtracts, multiplies, and divides.
Yes. ETS prices each subtest separately — $37.50 at home or $29.50 at a test center in 2026–27 — or both together for $75 at home or $59 at a test center. Your state's rules decide which scores you need.
You can retake once right away. After that you must wait 21 days from your most recent attempt, then you can test two more times, and the 21-day wait repeats after every two attempts. If you took the composite test (5757), you cannot retake a single subtest more than once until after the 21-day period.
Beyond the two-subtest format and the calculator, ETS's ParaPathways topics include foundational reading skills (phonemes, syllables, digraphs, blends, vowel teams, and fluency), source credibility and citation, responsible use of technology including AI, and interpreting data in maps, tables, and charts. Study to the ParaPathways topics if that is your state's test.
Yes — this study guide, our practice test, and our flashcards are 100% free with no account required.
References
- 1.Educational Testing Service (ETS). “ParaPathways Assessment (5757; subtests 5758 and 5759).” parapro.ets.org. ↑
- 2.Educational Testing Service (ETS). “The ParaPathways Study Companion — 5757 (Reading and Writing 5758, Mathematics 5759).” ETS, via the Rhode Island Department of Education. ↑
- 3.Educational Testing Service (ETS). “2026–27 ParaPro Assessment Information Bulletin (covers the ParaPro 1755 and ParaPathways 5757 Assessments; effective August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027).” ets.org. ↑
- 4.Educational Testing Service (ETS). “ParaPathways and ParaPro — State Requirements.” parapro.ets.org. ↑
- 5.ETS (reproduced by the Connecticut State Board of Education). “Multi-State Standard Setting Technical Report: ParaPathways Reading and Writing (5758) and Mathematics (5759).” portal.ct.gov. ↑
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