8.1 (8K1B, 8S1A): Ability to demonstrate a commitment to assisting students in reaching their highest potential, including the modeling of positive behavior.

Introduction

Paraprofessionals are positive role models for individuals with exceptional learning needs. They fulfill this role through a variety of ways from the responsibilities outlined in their jobs to the way they conduct their relationships with students, parents, teachers, and schools. Paraprofessionals also have professional and ethical responsibilities that they must meet.

Everyone has a unique makeup of strengths, talents, and abilities, which combine to make them an individual. In special education settings, some of these differences may be obviously apparent. Other times, a disability or a difference may be hidden or not easily understood. The role of the education system is to provide a free and appropriate education (commonly referred to as FAPE) for ALL students regardless of these differences. This FAPE will focus on attempting to help each and every student reach their own highest potential, and achieve the greatest success, given their personal goals and unique set of circumstances.

Objectives

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

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

In this unit, you will:

• Gain an understanding of the characteristics of a positive role model.
• Learn what the benefits of paraprofessionals in the education system are.
• Learn about promoting self-esteem.
• Learn what it means to advocate for students.
• Understand how to help students in an appropriate manner.

The Para eLink is sponsored by the Minnesota Paraprofessional Consortium, in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Education, located at the Institute on Community Integration in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota.

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