GETTING TO KNOW YOUR PARAPROFESSIONAL Frank Howe, Southeast Regional Coordinator Beth Eloe-Reep, Southeast Regional Coordinator Gina Hopper, Associate Director, SESTA
How many paraprofessionals are currently employed in the United States in programs delivering services to students between the ages of 3 and 21?
Standards for Paraprofessionals Supporting Students with Special Needs Refer to page 151 of the Special Education Manual for the standards required to support the programs to which they are assigned.
In any working relationship, there is the potential for conflict between two people.
Roles and Responsibilities Matrix
Why must confidentiality be maintained? Federal laws, state regulations, and local policies require it. CONFIDENTIALITY
Who may have access to written or oral information about children and their families? Those responsible for the student’s education or welfare Each file should MUST have an access log in it.
CONFIDENTIALITY Who should not have access to information about the performance level, behavior, program goals and objectives or progress of a student? Those not directly responsible Students and their families have the right to expect all personal and educational information will be kept confidential.
Skills and Abilities of a Good Supervisor Communicate clearly defined roles. Identify responsibilities which you can delegate. Ensure effective teamwork. Monitor paraprofessional performance on a daily basis. Provide ongoing constructive feedback through coaching and modeling.
Ashbaker and Morgan, 2006
Closing Tip: Remember: Never ask a paraprofessional to do something you would not do.
Statewide Special Education Technical Assistance (SESTA ) Center for School Improvement & Policy Studies, BSU Gina Hopper, Associate Director
Training and Technology for Today’s Tomorrow Website to link school professionals and parents with special education training opportunities and resources across the state Supported By: –Idaho State Department of Education (ISDE), Special Education Project Team: –Cari Murphy –Shawn Wright
Contact Information: Frank Howe, SE Regional Coordinator Beth Eloe-Reep, SE Regional Coordinator