ParaProfessional Exam Study Packet

• The following is a study packet for the Highly Qualified Paraprofessional Exam at Everman Independent School District

Roles and Responsibilities

• Hiring requirements include a high school diploma/equivalent, good attendance, ability to follow directions and plans, maintain confidentiality, communication skills, teamwork ability, and ability to work with diverse children as directed
• Paraeducators assist teachers in the educational process, extending services to students with and without disabilities, which enriches services if programs are well-planned and staff are trained
• Philosophies regarding paraeducator use: improve learning activities, assist in learning, manage behavior, provide training, impacts student outcomes, focus training, contribute to policies, allow communication, center programs, and schools should implement
• A clear role delineation between teachers and paraprofessionals is an important element, with the supervising teacher setting a professional example of expectations and communication including feedback

Role of the Paraeducator

• Paraeducators can supervise students, assist with activities, reinforce learning, provide aid, score tests, perform tasks, record behavior, assist with behavior, carry out activities, develop schedules, operate equipment, provide care, assist with practice, help with trips, read to students, assist with learning, and assist with names, addresses, and birthdays
• However, paraeducators should not be solely responsible for a classroom, perform diagnostic testing, prepare lessons, assign grades, substitute for certified teachers, supervise assemblies, be assigned difficult students, supervise planning, give medical assistance, prescribe activities, grade tests, or regulate behavior
• Certified teachers cannot assume additional duties, change roles, get a higher salary, or plan instruction while still being a paraeducator

Effective Communication

• Paraeducators are exposed to various communication methods and conflict resolution
• Effective communication is essential in education to avoid misunderstandings which can result in serious outcomes so material and directions can be clear
• Communication involves sharing information verbally or nonverbally
• Active listening and openness are important for interacting with administrators, teachers, parents, students, and other paraeducators

Communicating Effectively and Building Relationships

• Establishing rapport with teachers and students is important, especially when conflicts arise
• Responsiveness helps open communication channels
• Together, paraeducators and teachers form a learning environment team by discussing lesson plans and concerns
• Open communication helps to understand backgrounds, values, and clarify assignments

Communication Tips

• Good communication involves openness and establishing positive relationships, encouraging students, being positive, planning ahead, using names, getting attention, speaking calmly, maintaining eye contact, minimizing distractions, explaining importance, and showing benefit
• Involve students in understanding, include examples, and avoid personal problems

Ethical Standards for Paraeducators

• Paraeducators are team members who have special relationships with teachers, students, staff, parents, and the community
• Paraeducators face ethical issues regularly, covering issues like confidentiality, record management, and staff demands
• Ethical standards help determine actions in conflicting situations/interests while also considering the wider implications
• Ethics are important due to the authority they have over students, who are often vulnerable
• Paraeducators are obligated to act ethically and have a framework for behavior

Ethical Responsibilities

• Responsibilities include performing qualified tasks, not discussing progress with parents, directing parental concerns, and following the supervisors directions

Relationships

• Relationships involve discussing progress in private with teachers, discussing school matters with staff when students are absent, avoiding discriminatory practices, respecting everyone's dignity, acting as a role model, and using behavior strategies
• Recognize the teacher, discuss opinions without students around, communicate positively, address concerns privately with the teacher, and following the behavior plan
• Responsibility includes taking responsiblity for improving skills, reviewing policies positively while refraining from airing school problems, and gossiping

Guidelines and Confidentiality

• These guidelines help the teacher and paraeducator ensure the best interests of the students
• Teachers, special education staff, and administrators are ethically responsible for the correct use of paraeducators
• One of the most important aspects of behavior from paraeducators is regarding confidential information about students and their families, which includes test scores, behavior, attendance, and family problems