The Academy is designed to supplement the training provided by the paraprofessional's local school district, in order to assist school districts to meet heightened sate and federal paraprofessional qualification guidelines.

Our curriculum is based on the principals outlined in the  Idaho Standards for  Paraprofessionals.                                                                                            

The principals are covered over a a series of three full-day sessions in November, February and March.

Each full-day session will address three of the principals. Principal 9 will be covered at each sesison during a working lunch.

1. BASIC KNOWLEDGE
Basic knowledge is met with a district's hiring requirements; this principle is not addressed in the academy.

2. 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. 

3. 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. 

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

5. 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. 

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

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

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

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

10. 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.