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What is the curriculum?

The curriculum for these training academies is based on the Idaho Standards for Paraprofessionals. Trainers engage with paraprofessionals to develop competency in entry and intermediate levels of these standards. The program is designed to cover each standard at least one time, with the major standards such as “materials modification” and “instructional strategies” being covered throughout the year. Advanced strands are offered toward the end of the year. Program staff will work with districts to assign paraprofessionals to sessions that are most applicable to the needs of the paraprofessional and/or district, and to provide portfolio activities to be completed by the paraprofessional to inform the district of the his or her knowledge AND performance in key areas.

The standards are outlined below:

BASIC KNOWLEDGE
The paraprofessional has a basic knowledge of the discipline(s) taught and supports the teacher/provider in creating learning experiences that make the subject matter meaningful for students. 

STUDENT LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
The paraprofessional has a basic knowledge of how students learn and develop and assists in providing opportunities that support their intellectual, social, and personal development. 

DIFFERENTIATING INSTRUCTION
The paraprofessional knows that students differ in their approaches to learning and assists in creating instructional opportunities that are adapted to students with diverse needs. 

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
The paraprofessional understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to assist the teacher/provider. 

EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
The paraprofessional understands the impact of the educational environment on student learning, self-motivation and positive social interaction and assists in creating a positive learning environment. 

COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES
The paraprofessional uses a variety of communication techniques including verbal, nonverbal, and media in and beyond the classroom. 

IMPLEMENTING INSTRUCTIONAL PLANS
The paraprofessional implements teacher/provider designed instructional plans based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, the community, and curriculum goals. 

STUDENT EVALUATION
The paraprofessional supports the teacher/provider in evaluating the intellectual, social and physical development of the student. 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The paraprofessional engages in continued professional improvement toward an identified goal. 

PROFESSIONAL INTERACTION
The paraprofessional interacts in a professional, effective manner with colleagues, parents, and other members of the community to support students' learning and well being.

What happens once paraprofessionals come back to the classroom?

The Together in Excellence Program is designed to provide the knowledge section of the Idaho Paraprofessional Educator Standards to each paraprofessional in attendance at the sessions, but some district personnel believe that the real power of the sessions lies in the portfolio that paraprofessionals produce to "show they know." At the end of each session, our presenters provide several activities that paraprofessionals may complete to demonstrate their knowledge of a particular principle. The Boise School District Title 1, Library and ELL
paraprofessionals were required to complete 2 activities for each standard to add to their portfolios. Work sessions were provided to assist paraprofessionals with this activity. The portfolios were then used as one indicator of a paraprofessional performance. Since this was a standards-based indicator and was reflective of what the paraprofessional was required to do in the classroom, it provided meaningful information to supervisors and served as a tool to facilitate conversations about future goals of the paraprofessional.

Why is training for paraprofessionals important?

NCLB has heightened state and federal guidelines for paraprofessional qualifications, which require paraprofessionals (especially Title 1 paraprofessionals and all paraprofessionals in school-wide Title 1 schools) to demonstrate, on formal state or local academic assessments, knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics. Additionally, as required in most instances, our trainings are designed to assist districts in
helping newly-hired paraprofessionals achieve the intermediate level standards within three years of employment.*

* For more information, see the Idaho Paraprofessional Requirements at:
http://www.sde.state.id.us/sasa/documents/IdahoParaprofessionalRequirements.doc

What have people said about these trainings?

"Our paraprofessionals found the sessions to be challenging and interesting-- delivered in a manner of respect and professionalism.  As an administrator, I appreciate knowing that high quality, well organized workshops, based on the state paraprofessional standards, are being coordinated by a group of such talented people. Through the portfolio that the Title 1, Library and ELL paras create, I am able to see that they demonstrate performance in the State Paraprofessional Standards." 

 Dr. Ann Farris, Federal Programs Director
Boise School District

“Boise State University's Center for School Improvement and Policy Studies department has consistently provided organized conferences with quality speakers to our nearly 400 special education paraprofessionals. We hear from supervising teachers and principals that the paras are able to apply the information back at their schools. The paras report that they really learn and enjoyed these in-services!”

Shelley Retter, Director of Special Education
Boise School District

“Excellent speakers, quality and quantity. I feel more of the district staff would benefit from these speakers and trainings!”

Boise School District Paraprofessional

“Speakers made the content fun and easy to understand. I learned ways that I can improve, that will make a big difference in my work relationships.”

Boise School District Paraprofessional

How much does it cost?

Tuition is $200 per paraprofessional, based on a minimum of 50 paraprofessionals participating, for a series of three trainings that will convene during the 2007-2008 school year on the Boise State University campus* in a professional conference setting with paraprofessionals from other Idaho districts.

What are the training dates?

Academies are held from 8 AM to 3 PM on the following dates:

  • October 12, 2007

  • January 11, 2008

  • February 15, 2008

** Training in other regional locations may be scheduled by contacting our Center.

 

 

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 Center for Multicultural Education | BSU College of Education

The Center for School Improvement and Policy Studies, 2004
Date Modified: 09/26/2007
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