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8.2 (8S2B): Ability to carry out responsibilities in a manner that demonstrates knowledge of, and a positive respect for, the distinctions between the roles and responsibilities of paraprofessionals, professionals, and other support personnel.
8.3 (8S7B): Perform duties within the context of written standards and policies of the school, state, or agency where they are employed.

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Facilitator Supplement

Worksheets in this Unit

All worksheets are Adobe pdf files. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view and print the worksheets.

Lesson 1

Lesson 4

  • Chain of Responsibility (from unit 1K3B, lesson 4)

Facilitated Activity

Activities included in this section are only those activities that will be led by the facilitator. Other activities can be found in the lessons.

Clarifying Roles

It would be ideal for staff that work together to share all of the traits discussed in this unit, and to start a job with a clear and concise job description. However, reality is often quite different. In many cases, the paraprofessional starts the job with only a vague understanding of the rules, regulations, and the tasks he or she is responsible for, and even less understanding of the unique needs of the client/student population in the setting. Creating a job description is the first step to more clearly identifying your role as a paraprofessional. For further information about creating a personalized job description, see CC 1K3B. Please note: This activity is intended to be completed with a supervisor or training facilitator.

  1. Have students complete these questions outside of class (or in an online class discussion) and be prepared to discuss. Depending on the nature and size of the group, it may be better to discuss their answers in small groups. Have students share their answers with the class.
    • What characteristics foster successful paraprofessionals?
    • What behaviors do supervisors see as desirable for paraprofessionals?
    • How would you go about redefining your job with your supervisor if you felt you were doing more "supervisory" tasks than appropriate based on your training and education?
  2. Facilitate completion of the Paraprofessional Skills Inventory, the Meyers-Briggs Personality Type Quiz or an Interest Inventory. Discuss the results and facilitate a discussion about future training needs and goals.
  3. The review scenarios of this unit can be used for facilitated discussion of the topics covered in this unit.
  4. Suggested competencies that address the topics in this unit include: 4:S1C, 5:K4B, 8:S1A, and 8:S2B.

Discussion Ideas

Training of Paraprofessionals

Use the following ideas for discussions with your learning group.

If you are currently working as a paraprofessional:
  • What training and/or experiences have prepared you for your current role as a paraprofessional?
  • What additional annual training opportunities does your current work site offer?
  • Who is available in your work setting to discuss your training needs?
If you are not currently working as a paraprofessional:
  • What training and/or experiences have you had in the past or would you like to obtain in the future that is related to your goals as a paraprofessional?
  • What type of training and/or experiences do you think are important to the role of a paraprofessional?

Ethical Considerations

  • Name and give examples of the various ethical considerations for working with students with disabilities.
  • What ethical standards does the school district expect of you?
  • Who can you discuss ethical questions with at your work site?
  • Why are ethical standards especially important in the special education field?

  •  Consider using a tracking worksheet for Paraprofessionals to monitor their progress through the units.
  •  For information on how to start an online discussion area, see the online resources section.

 

 

 

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