Module 2, Transparency #1 Assisting Students with Disabilities: A Training Program Module 2: Effective Supervision of Paraeducators

Module 2, Transparency #2 Overview of this Training Module Module 2: Effective Supervision of Paraeducators Unit 1 – Teacher Supervision of Paraeducators Unit 2 – Administrator Supervision of Paraeducators

Module 2, Unit 1, Transparency #3 Instructional Objectives: To understand the roles of teachers & administrators in supporting paraeducators To learn how to welcome & incorporate a new paraeducator into the classroom To learn skills for assigning tasks & monitoring paraeducator performance To gain additional team leadership skills Module 2, Unit 1: Teacher Supervision of Paraeducators

Module 2, Unit 1, Transparency #4 Unit Overview I. Overview of the instructional team II. Providing paraeducators with an appropriate orientation III. Appropriate planning, delegation, & evaluation IV. Providing effective team leadership

Module 2, Unit 1, Transparency #5 Overview of the Instructional Team Characteristics of paraeducators Gender Income Home life Education & past work experience Training for the paraeducator job

Module 2, Unit 1, Transparency #6 Overview of the Instructional Team Paraeducators are technicians who provide direct services to youth, under the guidance & supervision of certified teachers “Paraeducator” is the preferred term for this role. It mean “works alongside an educator”.

Module 2, Transparency #1 Roles & Responsibilities of the Instructional Team Administrators Ensure school policies/practices comply with federal, state, & local district policies & laws Involved in hiring, supervising, & evaluating school staff Assist with crisis-management & problem-solving Help decide what activities & programs the school will host

Module 2, Unit 1, Transparency #8 Roles & Responsibilities of the Instructional Team Teachers Design & implement instructional programs for students Assess student performance & evaluate effectiveness of instructional programs Involve parents in students’ education Develop accommodations & modifications for students with disabilities Participate in an instructional team (e.g., supervise paraeducators)

Module 2, Unit 1, Transparency #9 Roles & Responsibilities of the Instructional Team Paraeducators Provide instruction 1:1 or in small groups, according to teacher lesson plans Assistant in implementing teacher-designed accommodations & modifications Assist with assessment activities Assist with behavior management

Module 2, Unit 1, Transparency #10 Roles & Responsibilities of the Instructional Team Key difference between the roles of teacher & paraeducator: The teacher decides WHAT will be taught & HOW it will be taught; the teacher is the instructional designer The paraeducator helps DO what the teacher has designed; the para helps implement the teacher’s instructional designs

Module 2, Unit 1, Transparency #11 Providing an Appropriate Orientation for Paraeducators Basic information Introductions to all school staff Written policies & procedures for school staff, for example… Emergency & safety procedures School rules & routines Protocol for reporting absences Students’ rights to confidentiality

Module 2, Unit 1, Transparency #12 Providing an Appropriate Orientation for Paraeducators Getting to Know One Another Ask good questions of each other See how well your work style preferences “fit” Think ahead to how you can prevent differences from becoming problems in your working relationship

Module 2, Unit 1, Transparency #13 Providing an Appropriate Orientation for Paraeducators Determine exactly what the paraeducator’s role will be Do a Needs Assessment Assess the paraeducator’s current level of skills Compare these two, to determine current tasks and future training needs of the paraeducator

Module 2, Unit 1, Transparency #14 Providing an Appropriate Orientation for Paraeducators Para should be given a copy of the district’s general job description Teacher & para should work together to supplement that with a personalized job description

Module 2, Unit 1, Transparency #15 Providing an Appropriate Orientation for Paraeducators Provide the para with a Growth & Development Plan Serves as a reminder to the teacher that training is needed Helps to establish continual learning & development as a part of the school culture Once training has occurred, it serves as a convenient way to document the training

Module 2, Unit 1, Transparency #16 Planning, Delegating & Evaluating Planning for Paraeducators A legal & ethical responsibility of teachers Includes specific duties & a specific schedule May be shared among a team of teachers Must be written; may be most efficient to use a form

Module 2, Unit 1, Transparency #17 Planning, Delegating & Evaluating Delegating Skills Know which tasks can appropriately be delegated Remember paraeducator roles & responsibilities Only tasks the paraeducator has been trained for Consider paraeducator strengths & preferences Consider desirability of the task Consider urgency of the task

Module 2, Unit 1, Transparency #18 Planning, Delegating & Evaluating Delegating tasks to paraeducators Include: Why What When/where How Authority Monitoring/evaluation

Module 2, Unit 1, Transparency #19 Planning, Delegating & Evaluating Evaluating Tell the para in advance Factors to consider when deciding how to evaluate How long has the para been working with you? Para’s skill level District/school policies Student support needs

Module 2, Unit 1, Transparency #20 Providing Effective Team Leadership Holding Meetings Be creative in “finding time” for regular, sit-down meetings between you & the para Will you need a meeting facilitator? Who will record meeting notes & decisions? How will decisions be made? Set (and stick to) agendas

Module 2, Unit 1, Transparency #21 Providing Effective Team Leadership Effective Communication Techniques Express yourself clearly & with tact Aim for an Assertive style Use “I statements” Choose the setting carefully

Module 2, Unit 1, Transparency #22 Providing Effective Team Leadership Effective Communication Techniques (cont.) Listening & Responding to others Concentrate Wait to respond Check for understanding Show empathy Offer input, if appropriate

Module 2, Unit 1, Transparency #23 Providing Effective Team Leadership Managing conflicts & problem-solving Important part of a teacher’s job is dealing with problems This can be stressful, but it is manage-able What can you do about problems?

Module 2, Unit 1, Transparency #24 Providing Effective Team Leadership 6-step problem-solving process: 1) Define the problem 2) Determine the causes of the problem 3) Set a goal 4) Brainstorm solutions, then evaluate them 5) Select the best solution(s), then try it/them 6) Evaluate the solution(s)