Class will start at the top of the hour! Please turn the volume up on your computer speakers to access the audio feature of this seminar. WELCOME TO EP100 Preparing for an Educational Paraprofessional Career Unit 3 Program, Courses and Professional Goals.

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Tonight’s Agenda Announcements/Reminders Unit 2 Review Unit 3 Outcomes 21 st Century Skills S.M.A.R.T. Goal Setting Degree Plan Preview Program Outcomes Preview Unit 4

Review of Unit 2 Paraprofessional Roles/Duties Special Education Elementary School*Training/Qualifications ESL Students*Job Outlook/Earnings Middle School*Tasks, Tools, Technology Computer Lab*Knowledge/Skills Deaf Students*Work Context/Values High School Tutor Title I (At-risk) Pre-K Transition Program Unit 2 Project Questions? Comments?

Unit 3: Elementary School Paraprofessional Unit Outcomes In this unit you will; Discuss the program outcomes as well as the required and elective courses of the Kaplan Educational Paraprofessional Program Apply S.M.A.R.T. goal setting to educational and career goals Develop a degree plan Review some resources and support services for paraprofessionals Are you ready to begin?

Unit 3 Assignments Due Tuesday Night by Midnight! Readings Skills for a New Century S.M.A.R.T. Goal Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals Activity AASEP Degree Plan Learning Activities Video-What Do Paraeducators Do? (part 2) Spartacus-Personal Management Discussion Question Discussion: S.M.A.R.T. Goals Program Outcomes Seminar (Complete option #2 if you miss a seminar)

Skills for a New (21 st ) Century Knowledge of Technology (digital portfolio, resume, personal statement, work samples) Using technology as a tool (research, presentation) Collaboration Make Oral Presentations Write well Thinking Skills (critical thinking-find, analyze, evaluate data) Reading vs. Literacy (digital literacy) Global awareness (cultural diversity) “Soft Skills” Professionalism/interpersonal skills Communication Responding to change/flexibility Creativity/new perspectives Self-direction, motivation

S.M.A.R.T. Goal Setting Types of Goals Short term (less than 1 year) Intermediate Term (1-5 years) Long Term (5+ years) S Specific M Measurable A Action-Oriented R Realistic T Timed

S.M.A.R.T. Goal Setting Discussion Question S I want to lose 10 lbs by the end of next month. M I will weigh myself at the end of next month (set date) A Create a fitness/nutrition calendar. I will consult with a dietician and make recommended changes into my daily eating plan. I will track my eating. I will exercise at least 4x a week and track my exercising. I will weigh myself each week (Monday mornings) and keep track of my progress. R The dietician I’ve consulted says my goal is ambitious, but doable based on my nutritional needs and level of fitness. I know of others who have followed similar plans and have been successful. T Weigh in each Monday. Review my nutrition/exercise log each Friday and make adjustments as necessary

AASEP Degree Plan

Sequence of Classes (EP Program)

Preview Unit 4 Read up on possible choices for electives and submit your own customized degree plan Reflect on why you selected the electives that you did. How might they help you in the field or other areas of your life? Review course options in KU’s Course Catalog (accessed from “Resources-Documents” on KU Home page) Discussion Question: think about possible areas of “specialization” in the para field. Which might you like to do?

AASEP Program Outcomes AASEP-1 Knowledge Base: Demonstrate proficiency in basic academic skills and techniques used for classroom instructional support such as reading, mathematics, and writing AASEP-2 Student Development and Learning Environments: Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate curriculum that addresses the individual student’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs AASEP-3 Student, Family, and School Relationships: Demonstrate the ability to interact effectively with students, families, teachers and administrators in diverse school settings AASEP-4 Instructional and Behavioral Strategies: Apply instructional and behavioral techniques used in a variety of learning environments to enhance teaching and learning of students AASEP-5 Ethics and Professionalism: Demonstrate an understanding of paraprofessional roles including professional standards, legal issues, ethical practices and appropriate interpersonal and management skills AASEP-6 Individuality and Cultural Diversity: Demonstrate an understanding of the individual learning needs and cultural diversity of students and their families

Field Trip! The Role of the Para Teacher Assistants Share Their Thoughts NC Association of Teacher Assistants Our Members Share Their Thoughts at (Click the link below to view the video) Q Why do you want to be a paraprofessional?

Unit 3 Seminar Questions Understand how any transfer credit impacts the Degree Plan. Do you want to take Challenge Exams on any courses? Do you think you may qualify to take EL203? What types of volunteer work do you do and should you take the Service Learning Course*? In looking at career examples, what skills and abilities fall outside the Educational Paraprofessional courses and what electives would be appropriate? What open electives are you interested in?

Unit 3 Spartacus! Personal Management Strategies Managing Stress Time Management Personal Learning Styles Organization Mental/Emotional/Physical Health Planning/Preparation Being proactive (not reactive)

Some Paraprofessional Resources National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals at ParaEducator Training at Paraeducator.com at NEA’s Education Support Professionals at AFT’s School Support Staff at Also posted in Webliography

Why Paras are So Important…..