Assisting Students with Disabilities A Training Program for Paraeducators Transparency #1

Overview of this Training Module Module 1: Introduction to the Paraeducator Role Unit 1 –Roles & Responsibilities Unit 2 – Communication & Teamwork Skills Unit 3 – Legal & Ethical Issues Module 1, Transparency #1

Module 1, Unit 1: Roles & Responsibilities Instructional Objectives: To understand how the paraeducator role developed To understand the importance of the team To describe the teamwork responsibilities of paras, teachers, & administrators To describe the distinctions in teacher & paraeducator instructional responsibilities Module 1, Unit 1, Transparency #3

Module 1, Unit 1, Transparency #4 Unit Overview Introduction to the Paraeducator Role The Administrator-Teacher-Paraeducator Team Distinctions in teacher & paraeducator instructional responsibilities Closing Module 1, Unit 1, Transparency #4

Overview of the Paraeducator Role Paraeducators – playing an integral role & providing much-needed support, due to: More participation of students with disabilities Federal & state legislative mandates Teacher shortages Restructuring of the roles of teachers Module 1, Unit 1, Transparency #5

Overview of the Paraeducator Role “Para” – “alongside” A paraeducator is a school employee who . . . provides instructional or other direct support services to students, and works under the supervision of a certified/licensed staff member who is responsible for educational programming & student progress Module 1, Unit 1, Transparency #6

Overview of the Paraeducator Role Paraeducator Work Settings: Inclusive general and special education classes Early intervention & pre-school programs Libraries & computer labs Parent training programs Transition training, supported employment, & other vocational programs Module 1, Unit 1, Transparency #7

Overview of the Paraeducator Role Impact of paraeducators on educational programs: More individualized instruction to students More monitoring & evaluation of students More positive role models in students’ environment More time for teachers to assess needs, consult, diagnose problems, & plan lessons Module 1, Unit 1, Transparency #8

Overview of the Paraeducator Role Benefits of paraeducator involvement in education: Improved student learning More consistency in student services More positive student attitudes toward school & learning Improved student behavior in the classroom Improved parent-school- community relations Module 1, Unit 1, Transparency #9

The Administrator-Teacher-Para Team Paraeducator knowledge & skills + supportive working environment = more satisfied & effective paraeducator, & improved learning for students Teamwork responsibilities Administrators Teachers Paraeducators Module 1, Unit 1, Transparency #10

The Administrator-Teacher-Para Team Administrator Teamwork Responsibilities School- or district-wide support for paras Needs Assessments Provide job orientation, including written job description, introductions, & handbook on school policies Set & enforce “best practice” supervision policies Evaluate teachers’ supervision of paras Module 1, Unit 1, Transparency #11

The Administrator-Teacher-Para Team Teacher Teamwork Responsibilities Classroom-level supervision of paraeducators Provide a more specific, personalized job orientation Assess para’s strengths & weaknesses Use effective teaching techniques with paras Conduct frequent, formal meetings with the para Module 1, Unit 1, Transparency #12

The Administrator-Teacher-Para Team Paraeducator Teamwork Responsibilities Take an active role in determining your success Positive, cooperative attitude toward assigned tasks Seek training & supervision, as needed Request meetings with the supervising teacher Seek information about students & instructional process Provide information about student progress Module 1, Unit 1, Transparency #13

Distinctions in Instructional Responsibilities Teachers’ responsibilities: (Primary responsibility for students’ education) Diagnose students’ education & support needs Prescribe the programs to meet those needs Develop goals & objectives Prepare lesson plans for whole class Modifying strategies & content for individual students Module 1, Unit 1, Transparency #14

Distinctions in Instructional Responsibilities Teachers’ Responsibilities (cont.): Lead the implementation of instructional programs Evaluate program effectiveness & student performance Involve parents in their children’s education Module 1, Unit 1, Transparency #15

Distinctions in Instructional Responsibilities Paraeducators’ Responsibilities: (Assist the teacher, as directed and with supervision) Instructional support tasks: Implement educational programs & lesson plans Help individual students with academic work Help in collecting & maintaining data about students’ performance Score objective tests, keep records Give info and/or attend IEP/IFSP meetings Module 1, Unit 1, Transparency #16

Distinctions in Instructional Responsibilities Paraeducator Responsibilities (cont.): Behavior management support tasks Implement behavior management programs in the classroom Supervise students and enforce school policies for student behavior in non-academic settings (for example, playground, lunchroom) Module 1, Unit 1, Transparency #17

Distinctions in Instructional Responsibilities Paraeducator Responsibilities (cont.): Clerical/technical support tasks Prepare/duplicate materials Set up & maintain adaptive equipment & learning centers Operate office or video equipment Module 1, Unit 1, Transparency #18

Distinctions in Instructional Responsibilities Paraeducator Responsibilities (cont.): Provide personal/health assistance to students with disabilities Assist with personal/hygienic care Assist with special health care needs Module 1, Unit 1, Transparency #19

Distinctions in Instructional Responsibilities Duties a paraeducator may NOT perform: Be solely responsible for … An entire classroom (for example, as a substitute teacher) An entire educational program Diagnosing student needs Developing lesson plans Assigning grades Grade subjective or essay tests Administer or score standardized tests Module 1, Unit 1, Transparency #20