Para eLink: Where Minnesota's Paraprofessionals Learn Online

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3.1 (3K1B): Awareness of the tools used by the district for student assessment, diagnosis, and evaluation.

Introduction

Before a team can set goals with a student, information about the student must be gathered and analyzed. The process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information related to the student is called assessment. As part of the assessment process, a paraprofessional may be called upon to observe the student as he or she interacts with the environment and learns new skills. In order to make full use of the observational data, objective and accurate records must be kept. Using the information from the observation and assessment, the team is better able to develop goals that are appropriate to the student's needs.

Objectives

As you read the objectives for this unit, think about and rate your current knowledge using the following scale.

I do not understand this.
I do understand this.
I understand this well enough to use in my work.
I could teach others about it and use it in my work.

Upon completing this unit, you will:

Understand the difference between assessment, evaluation and intervention.
Describe the importance of on-going assessment of a child's progress towards educational goals.
Identify reasons why schools are required to provide appropriate service for all students.
Identify special education procedures used for the identification and placement of students with disabilities.
Describe how students and parents rights are safeguarded.
Become familiar with different methods of assessment.

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