Para-Professionals

Presented by Ernie Kim Felicia

Para-Professionals

The role of the paraprofessional or paraeducator is to supplement the

instructional or other support services provided to the student with special needs,

under the supervision of the teacher or other professional responsible for those services,

Objectives

Develop a better understanding of the role of the paraprofessional.

Develop a better understanding of the role of the teacher.

Begin thinking about developing a job description within your district of what is required of the paraprofessional.

The role of the Para-professionals

One to one instruction Small group instruction Large group instruction Data collection/observation Preparation/planning Reproducing/typing instruction materials Playground/hall/lunch/bus supervision Attending meetings/inservice Storytelling/reading aloud Carnahan, Williamson, Clarke, Sorensen, (2009)

The role of the teacher for Para-professionals

Orienting paraeducators to the program, school and students

Planning for paraeducators Scheduling for paraeducators Delegating tasks to paraeducators On-the-job training and coaching of paraeducators Monitoring and feedback regarding paraeducator

task performance Managing the workplace (communication, problem

solving, conflict management (Correa, Jones, Thomas, Morsink, 2005)

Para-Professionals

The term paraprofessional has not been clearly defined in the field of education. Neither the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 nor the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004 defines the term (McKenzie, 2008).

Do you know the definition of Paraprofessional within your district?

Questions regarding Paraprofessional supports

To what extent should paraprofessionals be teaching students with disabilities?

What impact does the proximity of paraprofessionals have on students with disabilities.

How does the utilization of paraprofessional support affect teacher engagement, and why should it matter?

How can authentic respect, appreciation, and acknowledgement of the important work of paraprofessionals be demonstrated?

What ca be done to improve paraprofessional supports schoolwide?

References

Carnahan, C. R., Williamson, P., Clarke, L., Sorensen, R. (2009) A systematic Approach for Supporting Paraeducators in Educational Setting: A Guide for Teachers. Council for Exceptional Children. 41(5), 34-43.

Correa, V. I., Jones, H. A., Thomas, C.C., Morsink, C. V., Interactive Teaming. Pearson, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, 2005.

Giangreco, M. F., and Doyle, M. B., (2002). Students with disabilities and paraprofessional Supports: Benefits, Balance, and Band-Aids. Focus on Exceptional Children, 34(7), 1-12.

McKenzie, A. R. and Lewis, S., (2008). The Role and Training of Paraprofessionals Who Work with Students Who are Visually Impaired. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness. August.