Sunday, September 18, 2011
Para Professionals
This week I read an article on Inclusion Tips for Paraeducators in the classroom. I agreed with the author when they stated that the Paras should help the student develop authentic work. A lot of special needs students that receive assistance from paras rely on them to approve the answer to every question. I tell my paras that it is okay to help them with one question. They should also note on the worksheet that this problem was completed as a guided practice. In the past, I have witnessed paras assist the student with the entire assignment and the student received an A. The parents were under the impression that the student independently made the grade. This caused a problem because the parents thought the child completed the skill independently. I tell my general education teachers and paras that it is okay if the child does not make a 100/A on every assignment. Be honest with who completed the work. It saves a lot of trouble down the road.
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Robbye,
ReplyDeleteI experience the same troubles as you with assistants. A lot of times my assistants are very enabling to my students. I have to remind them that we are trying to teach these children independence and not create a "learned helplessness". I don't understand why we are under so much pressure to give our children A's & B's. My adminstration always tells me you have to pass your students...I am like well if they do not do the work or put forth the effort than they do not get the grade. I think they are worried about the parent backlash but you make a good point that we want them to know what their child is capable of...not what the assistant is capable of!
I agree with your statement. I think the paras need to help the students, but not do the work for the students. I think this also applies to some parents at home. I have had a few students bring in perfect work when it is done at home, but anything they do in class is completely different. I think students need to be graded on their own work.
ReplyDeleteRobbye you are right on target. I know the paras sometimes don't know exactly what to do when it comes down to the students they are assisting. It is up to their supervisor to explain to them what and how they should assist the students in their care. You are right that the parents and students should know that they aren't going to get 100% every time or at anytime on their work.
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