A Checklist for Mentoring the Paraprofessional

A Checklist for Mentoring the Paraprofessional How Can This Checklist Help You? The purpose of this checklist is to help teachers and paraprofessional...
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A Checklist for Mentoring the Paraprofessional How Can This Checklist Help You? The purpose of this checklist is to help teachers and paraprofessionals understand their roles and responsibilities as they relate to each other. Good communication is the most important factor for any classroom instruction team. The information in this checklist will help team members better communicate as they work together for the benefit of students. It will assist teachers to work effectively with paraprofessionals by clarifying the paraprofessional’s duties and their relationship with students and teachers.

When Should This Checklist Be Used? This checklist should be used throughout the year whenever paraprofessionals are part of an instructional team. Paraprofessionals can use it to formulate questions and clarify their roles. Teachers can use it strengthen their roles as instructional leaders. ? The Paraprofessional Mentor Checklist will help paraprofessionals ask the right questions about school policies and procedures. It provides the framework for working with supervisors, performing assigned tasks, assisting and supporting curriculum and instruction, dealing with student behavior, assisting students with special needs, training and professional development, and ethics and professionalism. Teachers and paraprofessionals will use this checklist as a guide during their scheduled meeting time. ? “A PLANNING TOOL” The Teacher’s Role in Mentoring the Paraprofessional Checklist helps teachers orient paraprofessionals to the school and classroom, develop appropriate ways to manage and direct the work of paraprofessionals, assigns tasks and give directions, discuss curriculum and student behavior, provide on-the-job training, and give useful feedback to paraprofessionals. Teachers will use “A PLANNING TOOL” checklist as a guide when mentoring a paraprofessional during the school year.

A Checklist for Mentoring the Paraprofessional 2004-05 Teacher: ______________________________

School: _______________________________

Paraprofessional: ______________________

Assignment: ___________________________

? Teachers, schedule time to meet with your paraprofessional(s) to discuss sections of the handbook & work through the items on the checklist. Each staff member should have his or her own copy. ? Teachers and Paraprofessionals: Please complete this packet, A Checklist for Mentoring the Paraprofessional, by Oct.8, 2004. Please sign and return the attached “Letter of Assurance” form to the Paraprofessional Committee by Oct.15, 2004. ? Use N/A if not applicable

Presented: (Date)

Learning School Policies & Procedures Name of Teacher Name of Coordinator Name of Principal Name of Secretary

Name of Nurse Names of Inclusion Teachers

Explanatory Notes

Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Presented: (Date)

Learning School Policies & Procedures

Names of related staff team members, OT, PT, SP/L, APE, AT, IM, MT ?

OT

?

PT

?

SP/L

?

APE Teacher

?

Assistive Tech

?

Intervention Manager

?

Music Therapist

Map of the school building Tour of the school building if needed Copy of school parent/student handbook School calendar (KCSEC Color-coded) KCSEC Handbook www.kcsec.org Look under documents KCSEC Policy Manual www.kcsec.org Look under documents Playground policies

Explanatory Notes

Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Presented: (Date)

General Information

Explanatory Notes

Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Orientation Checklist ?

Class Schedule (Update as needed)

?

Your schedule (Update as needed)

?

Your hours - # of contract hours

?

Break time

?

Lunch time – 30 min duty free

? ?

Assigned duties outside of the classroom, lunchroom, bus, playground)

Evaluation Form Who does your evaluation? When are the evaluations done? Copy of evaluation form Attendance Policy Procedure for reporting off Name of sub caller Classroom Phone Number

Completed

Presented:

General Information

Explanatory Notes

(Date)

Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

KCSEC Phone number When should you call? Which team members should you call? Attendance at staff meetings Email address & how to access it Parent communication protocol Student discipline procedures Communication with staff about students Policy regarding confidentiality Fire Drill Procedure Tornado Drill Procedure Attendance at open houses, special events, etc. My role when teacher is absent Understand the “chain of command”

630-553-5833

Completed

Presented:

Performing Assigned Tasks

(Date)

Explanatory Notes

Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Goals of the team and your role in helping to achieve those goals. Your role in classroom organization ?

Preparing/organizing instructional materials

?

Maintaining equipment

?

Bulletin boards

Your role in building activities ?

School safety procedures

?

Monitoring the lunchroom, playground, hall, bathrooms

?

Accompanying students to art, music, and PE

?

Accompanying students to OT, PT, SP/L

?

Transferring students on and off the bus

Your role regarding clerical duties ?

Attendance – Entering student attendance on the classroom computer

Completed

Presented:

Performing Assigned Tasks

Explanatory Notes

(Date)

Presented: (Date)

Follow up:

Completed

(Need more, yes/no)

?

Making copies of materials

?

Filing and organizing

?

Recording grades

?

Word processing

?

Collecting money (books, milk, lunch, school activities)

?

Grading papers & checking student work for completion

?

Taking inventory of materials and supplies

?

Collecting homework

Supporting Curriculum & Instruction Implement teacher developed instructional strategies Implement teacher designed lesson plans Assist teachers with individual learning activities whenever requested

Explanatory Notes

Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Presented: (Date)

Supporting Curriculum & Instruction

Explanatory Notes

Follow up:

Completed

(Need more, yes/no)

Assist in the preparation of learning materials Be aware of the different methods used by teachers to accommodate a learner’s needs. Assist teachers with modifications and accommodations for students with special needs. Use of technology in the classroom Your role in the use of technology Follow teacher’s plan for strengthening student’s academic skills Understand educational jargon and terminology. Ask questions if you don’t understand a term. ***See Handbook Be aware of how different learning styles affect the performance of individual children

Presented: Dealing with Student Behavior (Date)

Explanatory Notes

Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Use positive behavior management strategies

Completed

Presented: Dealing with Student Behavior

Explanatory Notes

(Date)

Follow up:

Completed

(Need more, yes/no)

Be aware of teacher’s plan for addressing inappropriate behavior Understand effective strategies for dealing with verbal outbursts Understand effective strategies for dealing with other forms of resistance Be aware of the behavior management strategies used by each teacher you work with. Teachers may have different approaches to behavior management and reinforcement. Avoid the use of physical management

Presented: (Date)

Assisting Students with Special Needs Request general disability information if you do not understand the characteristics of the disability. Understand the roles of related services personnel, OT, PT, SPL, school nurse, Intervention Managers Participate in training sessions provided by related services personnel as needed Perform range of motion (ROM) exercises as assigned

Explanatory Notes

Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Presented: (Date)

Assisting Students with Special Needs Assist with accommodations and curriculum modifications Respond to medically related needs of students, understands & follows emergency plans Providing personal physical care to students Reminding students to follow personal hygiene and safety practices Monitoring physical environment for safety Model appropriate behavior, for others, when working with special needs students Follow universal precautions when toileting students or addressing an injury when blood is present Participate in PT training sessions to learn proper procedures for lifting students Participate in training sessions to learn proper techniques when using adaptive positioning equipment

Explanatory Notes

Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Presented: (Date)

Obtaining Training & Professional Development

Explanatory Notes

Follow up:

Completed

(Need more, yes/no)

Find out what staff development will be available to you Ask about training – OT, PT, SP/L, APE Ability to obtain raises with college credit (12 hrs)

Presented: (Date)

Maintaining Ethics & Professionalism Maintain your own wellness, composure, and emotional stability while working with students and staff. Present yourself as a positive role model Share relevant information with your team members. Participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings as requested. Understand the value of the team approach Follow the directions of the supervising teacher and other licensed staff.

Explanatory Notes

Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Presented: (Date)

Maintaining Ethics & Professionalism Provide accurate information about students to those who need tie information (supervising teacher, related services personnel) Maintain confidentiality Discuss any concerns with your supervising teacher Refer concerns expressed by parents, students or other staff to your supervising teacher. Procedure when you feel problems cannot be resolved Respect students Respect parental rights

Explanatory Notes

Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

A PLANNING TOOL The Teacher’s Role in Mentoring the Paraprofessional 2004-05 Teacher: __________________________

Paraprofessional: _________________________

? Please use this checklist as a guide while mentoring your paraprofessional this year.

Presented:

Beginning the School Year

(Date)

Explanatory Notes

Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Meet with paraprofessional before the first day of school or their first day on the job. Provide an atmosphere of respect, recognition, and open communication. Introduce the paraprofessional to other teachers, paraprofessionals, and support personnel in the building. Discuss school rules and policies regarding behavior on the playground, lunchroom, bathrooms, hallways, library, etc. Show paraprofessional where supplies are kept and how they are obtained.

Completed

Presented:

Beginning the School Year

Explanatory Notes

(Date)

Follow up:

Completed

(Need more, yes/no)

Discuss building and classroom emergency procedures. Discuss school safety issues and policies.

Presented: (Date)

Introducing Paraprofessionals to Your Classroom Allow the paraprofessional to spend some time observing you and other staff. Provide an initial orientation to your classroom, including: ?

Daily routines

?

Daily and weekly schedules

?

Instructional procedures

?

Classroom rules

?

Lesson plan format

Explanatory Notes

Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Presented: (Date)

Introducing Paraprofessionals to Your Classroom Explain the activities that take place at the beginning of each class, such as: ?

Attendance recording

?

Lunch counts

?

Special services, OT, PT, SP/L

Explain your class policy regarding: ?

Classroom procedures

?

Room organization and clean-up

?

Dismissing the class and small groups

?

Student rules

?

Bathroom rules, if relevant

?

Use of pens vs. pencils

?

Neatness, incomplete work, late or missing work, and make-up work

Explanatory Notes

Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Presented: (Date)

Introducing Paraprofessionals to Your Classroom

Explanatory Notes

Follow up:

Completed

(Need more, yes/no)

Discuss the short- and long-term goals of the class or program and student’s strengths and weaknesses. Provide a spot for the paraprofessional to put his/her belongings, materials, etc.

Presented: (Date)

Managing Paraprofessionals Take time to provide clear instructions and complete information to the paraprofessional. Discuss the appropriate roles and responsibilities of the teacher and the paraprofessional. Ask about the paraprofessional expectations of you, the teacher. Share your expectations for the paraprofessional Communicate in a clear and receptive manner

Explanatory Notes)

Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Presented: (Date)

Managing Paraprofessionals

Explanatory Notes)

Follow up:

Completed

(Need more, yes/no)

Build time in your schedule to plan and communicate with the paraprofessional. Communicate with your coordinator if there is a problem a set time communication time. Provide a schedule that includes a set meeting time, either daily or weekly. Discuss how you will communicate if you miss your scheduled time. Don’t constantly interrupt the paraprofessional during the day. Coordinate activities with the paraprofessional so that both of you can get as much done as possible. Organize and provide the materials and resources the paraprofessional needs to carry out the assignment.

Presented: (Date)

Discussing Curriculum and Instruction Introduce the paraprofessional to instructional procedures

Explanatory Notes

Follow up: (Need more, yes/no

Completed

Presented: (Date)

Discussing Curriculum and Instruction Discuss classroom-learning goals. Explain your teaching philosophy and teaching style. Discuss your lesson plan format. Share teacher guides for texts and materials. Discuss how students are motivated in the learning environment. Introduce paraprofessional to classroom learning stations and explain how they are used. Allow paraprofessional time to familiarize themselves with educational software and technology Demonstrate or arrange for technology training for paraprofessional If the paraprofessional is primarily assigned to one student, clarify the teacher’s role in the student’s instruction.

Explanatory Notes

Follow up: (Need more, yes/no

Completed

Presented: (Date)

Discussing Curriculum and Instruction Provide assistance and direction to paraprofessional who work in semiindependent situations, such as ?

Community transition support

?

Work study

?

Transportation, etc.

?

Computer labs

Support paraprofessional in using modified instructional plans and materials to accommodate the learning needs of various students. Encourage the paraprofessional to share observations of student’s needs. Explain the paraprofessional’s role in: ? ? ? ? ?

Testing (assessment) Written assignments Adapting or modifying curriculum Technology Monitoring student performance

Explanatory Notes

Follow up: (Need more, yes/no

Completed

Presented: (Date)

Discussing Curriculum and Instruction

Explanatory Notes

Follow up:

Completed

(Need more, yes/no

Discuss health-related needs of specific students, as appropriate.

Presented: (Date)

Working with Parents and Families

Explanatory Notes

Follow up:

Completed

(Need more, yes/no)

Discuss the paraprofessional’s role with parents and families of students. Discuss the importance of confidentiality and parent communication and families. Address the importance of respecting and listening to students and families.

Presented: (Date)

Discussing Student Behavior Discuss student accountability and expectations. Discuss time-out policy

Explanatory Notes

Follow up (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Presented: (Date)

Discussing Student Behavior Discuss discipline in the classroom and your expectations for managing students’ behavior. Include your views on positive reinforcement.

Explain your policy on students who talk during seatwork. Discuss what behavior is expected of students when they’ve completed an assignment. Discuss classroom rules and regulations. Explain student restroom rules, if needed. Explain out-of-seat policies. Explain expected behavior of students in both large and small groups. Address the importance of respecting and listening to students.

Explanatory Notes

Follow up (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Presented: (Date)

Promoting Training and Professional Development

Explanatory Notes

Follow up:

Completed

(Need more, yes/no)

Provide opportunities for on-the-job training Plan and provide on-the-job coaching based on the needs of the paraprofessional.

Presented:

Giving Feedback

(Date)

Explanatory Notes

Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Plan a program of early observations and positive structured support. Compliment paraprofessional on their contributions to the program and let them know how much you appreciate their assistance. Provide regular constructive feedback regarding each paraprofessional’s work performance. Share your plan to give paraprofessional’s feedback on their performance and when feedback will be provided. When giving feedback, begin by saying what the paraprofessional does well, then giving suggestions for improvement.

Completed

Presented:

Giving Feedback

(Date)

Explanatory Notes

Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Discuss the evaluation criteria that will be used to assess the paraprofessional’s work performance. Develop list of daily/weekly expectations Go over the aide evaluation form Discuss formal and informal assessment and the paraprofessional’s role in assessment. Provide a way for both teacher and paraprofessional to evaluate the team relationship. Use the following items to provide feedback on the paraprofessional’s skills: ?

Follows lesson as planned

?

Establishes rapport with students

?

Shows understanding and sensitivity to student needs

?

Gives clear instructions to the student or group

?

Uses appropriate questions and cues

?

Uses materials effectively

Completed

?

Teaches lesson objective

?

Keeps lesson focused on goals and objectives

?

Keeps students on task

?

Gives appropriate feedback to students

?

Uses positive reinforcement effectively

?

Stays on task and uses allotted time effectively