Supportive Instruction: Effective Supervision of Paraprofessionals in Inclusive Classrooms

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Supportive InstructionEffective Supervision of
Paraprofessionals in Inclusive Classrooms

• How does a paraprofessional co-teacher change
  things?

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In-class Team Consists of

• Regular education teacher (instructional)
• Special education paraprofessional (supportive)
• Special education teacher (collaborative)

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IDEA

• The paraprofessional is an employee who,
  following appropriate training, performs tasks as
  prescribed and supervised by the
  licensed/certified professional (teacher).
  Paraprofessionals perform specific duties as
  directed by the certified professional. The
  certified professional maintains responsibility
  for assessing the learner and family needs, and
  for planning, evaluating, and modifying programs.

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No Child Left Behind

• Parapro works under direct supervision of teacher
• In close proximity to teacher
• Supervisor directs daily activities
• Teachers must learn supervisory skills

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Essential Characteristics of Effective
Paraprofessionals

• Self-motivated (proactive)
• Self-confident
• Team player
• Good language skills
• Good people skills
• Able to maintain confidentiality
• Able to take direction
• Sense of humor
• Prompt

• Flexible
• Patient
• Professional
• Possesses good understanding of
• Students with disabilities
• All children
• Basic curricular concepts
• Modification techniques
• Classroom management

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Essential Characteristics of Effective Supervisors

• Encourager
• Hard worker
• Knowledgeable about legal requirements and
  inclusion process
• Willing to share knowledge
• Refrains from micromanaging
• Treats others the way s/he wants to be treated
• Good listener
• Delegates tasks

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By state law, a para cannot

• Have sole responsibility for a special education
  student(s).
• Program without supervision.
• Make lesson plans or develop and implement
  original instruction.
• Be a substitute unless he or she is certified and
  being paid at a sub rate.
• Be an elementary or secondary student.

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Para-professionals will not

• Sit at a desk and grade papers while instruction
  is occurring.
• Run errands (e.g., make copies, make coffee, call
  a parent) while instruction is occurring.

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Role of the Paraprofessional

• Modify and accommodate materials and activities
  (maintained at paras comfort level)
• Provide support to students with special needs
• Work with ALL students
• Provide instruction under the supervision of a
  certified teacher
• Reinforce previously introduced material
• Maintain confidentiality

• Be familiar with students IEP s and attend IEP
  meetings as appropriate
• Collect data to document student progress
• Serve as a liaison between the classroom and
  special education teacher
• Be thorough and enthusiastic
• Serve as a resource to teachers
• Provide support, suggestions and feedback

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Instructional Responsibilities

• Collect data
• Assist with full class instruction
• Assist with individualized class instruction
• Tutor individual and/or small groups of students

• Assist with classroom behavior management
• Implement and reinforce teacher-developed
  instruction
• Contribute ideas and suggestions related to
  general instruction
• Participate in team meetings

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Non-Instructional Responsibilities

• Monitor students during non-instructional times
• Assist teacher through clerical and
  organizational tasks
• Provide specific personal care for students

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Suggestions to empower parapros in your classroom

• Have the paras roles and responsibilities
  clearly defined.
• Listen to the paras input and suggestions.
• Remember The para has to work with both the
  regular teacher and special teacherdont use him
  or her as a vent for frustration with the rest of
  the team.
• Make sure the students are aware of the paras
  status, especially regarding discipline and
  classroom management.
• Find out what special skills and interests your
  para has that might be used in your classroom.
• Not all paras are cut out to co-teach. Their
  gifts may lie elsewhere.
• Paras are dreadfully underpaid, so be careful not
  to take advantage of their good nature and their
  concern for the students.