Competency Area A: Communicating with Paraprofessionals

Communication is key to a successful and coordinated classroom. Establishing a regular pattern of communication will ensure that team members have a time to discuss student needs and goals, challenges they might be facing and ideas they have.

Communicating with Paraprofessionals Competencies: Communicate with paraprofessionals in a clear, receptive and responsive manner. Provide clear daily direction in coordinating plans, schedules and tasks. Inform and update paraprofessionals regarding student information, such as assessment results, behavioral changes, medications and other factors that many influence the work of the paraprofessional. Provide regular opportunities for staff communication, group discussion, and collaboration Assist paraprofessionals in clarifying their roles and responsibilities to other staff, parents, or volunteers.

Teachers can play an important role in clarifying the role and responsibilities of paraprofessionals. Sometimes parents, related services staff, and even administrators can be unclear about the role of paraprofessionals. They might have inaccurate expectations if their understanding is not correct.

Effective Communication Listen actively Know, respect, and understand attitudes Share common vocabulary and nonverbal cues Be clear on directions and expectations Be aware of special interests and talents Create an atmosphere of trust, cooperation, respect and loyalty Understand silence

Communication Systems French (2003) states that the best communication systems are two-way and based on student needs, individualized plans, or lesson or activity plans.

Effective Communication Some Strategies: Set a time or strategy for communicating about student progress and needs  Meeting time - face-to-face communications are needed but sometimes having a other tools can fill the day-to-day need for updates and feedback  Communication tools - notebook, computer, telephone, bulletin board, cell phone - have a plan for emergency communication needs Discuss what is important to share with teacher Have a place for documenting information Ensure paraprofessionals know their schedule and responsibilities  Written schedules and lesson plans help to ensure common understanding and expectations Make sure paraprofessionals understand their role in communicating with parents and other team members

Effective Communication Some Strategies: Other ideas --

Characteristics of Effective Teams [Adapted from Gerlach (2003)] 1. All team members understand and are committed to the goals of the team. 2. Team members know what needs to be done, and by whom, to achieve goals. 3. Team members know their roles in getting tasks done and how to use the skills and expertise of each member. 4. Decision-making leadership and supervision guidelines are clearly understood by all team members.

Characteristics of Effective Teams [Adapted from Gerlach (2003)] 5. Team members feel their unique personalities and strengths are appreciated and utilized. 6. Team members are able to share ideas and given input to discussions. 7. Team members find team meeting efficient and productive. Teams meet on a regular basis. 8. Team members know clearly when the team has been successful and share in the success.

Characteristics of Effective Teams [Adapted from Gerlach (2003)] 9. Staff development is available and team members participate. 10. Feedback is provided to all team members.

Problem-solving Even in the most effective teams, problems can arise. It is important to take the necessary steps to address the conflict within a respectful process. 1. Define the problem and its cause What is the problem? What is not working? What factors are contributing to the situation? Who is involved in the situation? Who is affected and how? 2. Identify needs and solutions

Problem-solving, continued 3. Brainstorm ideas (together) 4. Select a solution that seems to address the need and meet the goal Which solution is under the team’s control? Which one will meet the needs and achieve the goal? Which is least disruptive and easiest to implement? 5. Develop a plan of action Who will do what? What resources are needed? What is the timeline? 6. Implement the plan 7. Evaluate the solution and the process used to get there Did we achieve the goal? Was the process effective?