Course Content
Topics and Learning Objectives
Day 1
Topics include:
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Roles and responsibilities of Paraprofessionals
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Education law
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Accommodations and Modifications
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Communication skills
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Writing Process
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RtI
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Data Collection Basics
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Levels of Support
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Stages of Learning
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Learning Strategies
Paraprofessionals will:
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Recognize that their actions are under the direction and supervision of the partner teachers
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Discuss the distinctions between roles and responsibilities of Paraprofessionals and partner teachers and how they will vary across settings
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Identify terms and meanings for many acronyms
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Identify the basics purposes of education laws: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and Section 504
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Discern the difference between an accommodation and a modification
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Begin a writing sample (Required by NCLB)
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Discuss their role in the Response to Intervention process
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Identify different types of data collection
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Recognize the different stages of learning and utilize suggested instructional strategies at each stage
Day 2
Topics include:
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Differentiated Instruction
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Writing Process, continued from Day 1
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Reading Basics
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Writing Basics
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Reading and Writing Assessment
Paraprofessionals will:
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Recognize that their actions are under the direction and supervision of the partner teachers
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Discuss their role in providing differentiated instruction
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Complete and turn in a writing sample (Required by NCLB
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Identify and apply various strategies to reinforce reading skills
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Identify and apply various strategies to reinforce writing skills
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Review for, complete, and pass the Reading and Writing assessment
Day 3
Topics include:
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Communication skills
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Confidentiality
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TEKS & STAAR Test
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TEKS Resource System and Vertical Alignment
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Behavior Basics
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Math Basics
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Certification process
Paraprofessionals will:
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Recognize that their actions are under the direction and supervision of the partner teachers
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Identify and practice effective communication skills with students, families, and school and community personnel
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Identify ethical practices and responses for confidential communication
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Discern the difference between TEKS and STAAR and how these terms impact their role
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Identify the purpose of TEKS Resource System and how vertical alignment fits in the big picture
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Identify and apply various strategies to reinforce behavior skills
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Identify and apply various strategies to reinforce math skills
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Review for, complete, and pass the Math assessment
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Discuss the certification and renewal process
Take and PASS the course test.