Title: Effective Use of Teacher Assistants A Module for Policy
1Effective Use of Teacher AssistantsA Module for
Policy Practice Development
2Purpose
- Provide information on basic requirements
effective practice for use of teacher
assistants(TAs) in educational settings - Provide a framework materials for training /or
supporting district or school-based teams in
development of policy practice for effective TA
use - Familiarize user with resources on TA website.
-
3Module Sections
- How to Use this Module
- Research re Teacher Assistants (TAs)
- Legal Requirements re TAs Other Paras
- Instructional Team Model
- Job Descriptions For TAs
- Considerations For Assigning TAs
- Orientation Of TAs
- PD For Instructional Team Members
- Supervision Of TAs
- Performance Evaluation Of TAs
- Orientation Exercise
- Guided Discussion Format
- Bibliography
-
4How to Use this Module
- Module related resources on TA website -
www.ritap.org/ta - Module Section Organization
- Applicable Legal Requirements Guidelines
- Implementation Strategies from Literature RI
Districts/Agencies - Resources on/through TA website
- Use as a whole or in sections
- Use as auto-instructional resource
- Use in training
5Research Natl Study on Effective TA Use
- Role - Primarily instructional support
- 85 - 90 involved in instructional activities
- Tutoring students/groups
- Gathering data
- Preparing materials
- Meeting with teachers
- Implementing Behavior Management Plans
6Research Natl Research on Effective TA Use
- TA Supports Integral to Quality Education
- Job Orientation
- Ongoing PD for TAs teachers working with them
- TA supervision
- Role alignment with TA skills
- Role clarification via meaningful job
descriptions - TA performance evaluation
- Adequate planning time/communication strategies
for instructional teams - TA assignment based on student need in way to
promote achievement, independence inclusion
7Research Rhode Island Study
- Respondents - TA Contacts
- 9 HR
- 9 Pupil Personnel/Special Education
- 6 Superintendent/Asst.
- 5 Finance/Business Manager
- 4 Collaborative Directors/Coordinators
- 2 Asst. Dir., NW Special Ed. Collaborative
- 1 Various
- TA Contacts Listing on Website - Networking
Webpage
8Research Rhode Island Study
- Data on TA Assignments
- 3031 Instructional TAs (89)
- 68 serve children with disabilities
- Rest in general education, Title I or other role
- 294 Non-Instructional TAs (9)
- 73 Other Paraprofessionals, e.g., job coach,
therapy assistant, nursing assistant (2) - ? 3398 Total TA/Paraprofessional FTE positions
9Research Rhode Island Study
- Data on Instructional TA Qualifications
- 433 (14) 2 years (48 credit hours) or more
college - 461 (15) Associate degree or higher
- 827 (27) Passed ParaPro Assessment
- 1315 (43) Need to meet qualifications by 2006
- 782 (59) TAs in districts that offer ParaPro
training Internet-Based ParaPro test. - 533 (41) remaining TAs can access ParaPro
training through another district or
collaborative.
10Research Rhode Island Study
- Policy Practice Supports for TAs
Instructional Teams - 67 - guidelines for deciding when TA needed for
child or class - 85 - TA job descriptions
- 38 - routine process for orientating TAs in new
assignments - 41 - training/strategies to help teachers work
with TAs - 44 - support instructional teams including
planning time - 59 - evaluate TAs in a way that supports
professional growth - 82 - PD for TAs
- 56 - requirements and/or incentives for TA PD
- 85 - TAs participate in PD with teachers
- 64 - support TAs preparing for ParaPro
- 51 - support TAs taking ParaPro
- 11 - some type of career ladder for TAs
11Resources at www.ritap.org/ta
- Report of TA Practices in RI School Districts
Related Agencies - TA Contacts in School Districts Related
Agencies
12Legal Requirements Instructional TAs
- Definition Provide instructional support or
other direct services re schools curriculum to
students (/or their parents/legal guardians)
under supervision direction of classroom
teacher or other appropriately certified
professional staff. - Qualifications
- Good Character
- High School Diploma or General Equivalency
- TA Training Program (If hired after 1/1/99)
- 1 of 3 of following for new hires after 1/8/02
by 1/8/06 if hired prior to 1/8/02 - 2 years higher education
- Associate degree or higher
- Assessment (ParaPro is state assessment local
portfolio allowed if equivalent to associate
degree knowledge/skills)
13Legal Requirements Non-Instructional TAs
- Definition Employed as translators, solely
involved in parental involvement activities,
solely in non-instructional roles or other
non-instructional direct services to students
(/or their parents/legal guardian) under the
supervision direction of the classroom teacher
or other appropriately certified professional
staff. - Qualifications
- Good Character
- High School Diploma or General Equivalency
- TA Training Program (If hired after 1/1/99)
- Proficiency in English language other than
English if serving as translator for ESL students
14Legal Requirements Other Paraprofessionals
- Definition Paraprofessionals other than TAs
- - Physical Therapists
- - Speech/Language Pathologists
- - Occupational Therapists
- - Job Coaches
- - Others
- Qualifications
- As recognized by RIDE, e.g., therapy assistants
15Legal Requirements State Standards
- RIDE Approved TA Training Programs Address
Competencies Associated with 4 Standards - Professionalism in Communication Collaboration
- Instructional Opportunities
- Learning Environment re behavior
- Health, Safety Emergency Procedures
16- Legal Requirements State Guidelines
- TAs Working with Students Who Have English as a
Second Language - TAs Working under the Supervision of a Classroom
Teacher with Students with Speech/Language
Impairments - TAs Who Support Students with Behaviors that
Interfere with Learning and/or Relationships - Instructional Teams, Supervision Performance
Evaluation Related to TAs
17- Legal Requirements Implementation Strategies
- Form Job Qualifications Committee
- Offer RIDE Approved TA Training Program or link
with one - Provide ParaPro training, tutoring, training
resources financial supports - Offer Internet-Based ParaPro or link with
district or collaborative that does - Routine information resource sharing emails
18- Legal Requirements Resources at www.ritap.org/ta
- Summary of legal requirements re TA
qualifications - State Standards Guidelines
- QA
- Linkage to federal regulations paraprofessional
guidance - Para Pro Resources
- RIDE Approved TA Training Programs Information
(Pre-Employment Training)
19Instructional Team Model Requirements/Guidelines
- A model of instructional collaboration
- Underscores perception of TAs as partners on
Instructional Team - Recognizes that ALL staff are valued professional
colleagues - Address day-to-day team operation
20Guidelines Instructional Team
- Composition
- Team Roles Responsibilities
- Instructional Team Supports (including
Professional Development PD)
21Roles Responsibilities of Individual Team
Members
- Clear distinctions between teacher teacher
assistant roles established - General roles guided by job description - then
further specified to address student needs
maximize team preferences talents - Right hand know what left hand is doing, why
progress being made - ESL issues
22Differences in Roles and Responsibilities
- Teachers
- Design, implement,evaluate instruction
- Collaborate with families
- Consult with colleagues
- Plan programs
- Participate in meetings to develop IEPs
- Carry out classroom administrative tasks
- Coordinate TA work
- Set goals plans
- Schedule assign duties within classroom or
team - Direct monitor day-to-day performance
- Provide feedback
- Provide job-embedded/on-the-job training.
23Differences in Roles and Responsibilities
- Teacher Assistants
- Perform informal assessment activities
- Observe/record information of student
performance - Assist with instruction
- Assist with behavior management
- Provide off-site community-based opportunities
for students
- Facilitate inclusion of students with
disabilities into general education Assist
students achievement outside of classroom - Practice standard health care precautions
- Monitor playgrounds, lunchrooms,etc.
- Assist with follow-through for related services
- Maintain student family confidentiality.
24Instructional Team Planning
- Common Planning Time
- Scheduled routinely each week
- Specific agenda
- Task assignments
- Follow-up
- Outcomes
- Options for Finding Planning Time
- District building administrators play critical
role
25Instructional Team Implementation Strategies
- At beginning of school year, instructional teams
(a) review TA job description clarify roles
(b) develop goals PD plans re TA assignment - TAs attend IEP meetings
- Grade level TAs work with same teachers
- Regularly scheduled team meetings
- Train teachers TAs on effective teamwork
- Encourage teachers TAs to attend training
26Instructional Team Resources at www.ritap.org/ta
- Standards Guidelines
- Worksheets for Needs Inventory, Job Descriptions,
Skills/Confidence Inventory Work Style Analysis
Comparison - Materials align with State
Guidelines - Portfolio Prototype
- Annotated Bibliography of Numerous Publications
Training Modules - many available on loan in RI
27Job Description Requirements
- Identify job-specific duties/competencies needed
for the assignment - 2-tiered job description recommended in state
guidelines - Tier 1 Core job description(s) established at
district level - Tier 2 Defined roles responsibilities
established by the instructional team that may be
unique to that specific position
28Job Description Typical Duties
- Perform informal assessment activities
- Observe and record information of student
performance - Assist with instruction
- Assist with behavior management
- Provide off-site community based opportunities
for students, if appropriate to job assignment - Facilitate inclusion of students with
disabilities in gen. Ed. - Assist students achievement outside of
classroom, e.g., computer lab, library - Knowledge practice standard health care
precautions - Monitor playgrounds, lunchrooms, etc.
- Assist with follow-through for related services,
e.g., speech/language therapy, OT, PT - Maintain student and family confidentiality.
29Job Description Typical Areas
- ? Position/Title
- ? Reports to (Evaluator of Job Performance)
- ? Immediate Supervisor (for day-to-day work)
- ? Job Goal/Result/Purpose/Essential Function
- ? Qualifications
- ? Other Job Requirements
- ? Duties/Performance Responsibilities/Essential
Functions - Work Year/Terms Conditions of Employment
- Evaluation and Supervision Methods
30Job Description Implementation Strategies
- Convene work group
- Use existing job descriptions related locally
identified resources - Use resources available on or through TA website.
31Job Description Resources at www.ritap.org/ta
- State Standards Guidelines
- Examples of RI Job Descriptions
- Job Description Format
- Supports for Job Description Development
- Annotated Bibliography
- Worksheets
- National Skill Standards
32Considerations for TA Assignment Requirements
- IEP Driven for Students with Disabilities
- RI AdultChild Ratios for Students with
Disabilities re TA Use - TA Knowledge Skills
- TAs Working with ESL Students
- TAs Who Support Students with Behavior that
Interferes with Learning /or Relationships
33Considerations for TA Assignment Implementation
Strategies
- Decision-Making Model for Natural Supports /or
Supplementary Aides or Services - Part of IEP Development
- For any student with special needs
34Considerations for TA Assignment Implementation
Strategies
- Professional/Program/Student Needs Inventory
- Use for aligning TA assignment with TA strengths
program student needs - Use on group or individual basis
- Student Contract Form
- Use to promote student achievement, independence
inclusion including decisions about TA when TA
support is is not needed
35Considerations for TA Assignment Implementation
Strategies
- TA Assignment Options include (not limited to)
- 11 for all or most activities
- Different TAs work with student in different
classes, activities or skill areas - TA works with groups of students
- Assignments
- Short or long term
- Adjusted as needed based on student progress/need
- Each with potential benefits drawbacks
- Bottom line - Assignment merits careful
consideration related to student need
36Considerations for TA Assignment Resources at
www.ritap.org/ta
- State Standards Guidelines
- Decision-Making Model for Natural Supports /or
Supplementary Aides or Services - Worksheet Professional/Program/ Student Needs
Inventory - Student Contract Form
- Annotated Bibliography
37Orientation of TAs Requirements
- State Guidelines
- Overview of students strengths challenges
- Introduce staff
- Review school policies procedures
- Review roles responsibilities
- Identify work styles skills of teacher TA
develop team approach - Identify position-specific duties, building on
job description
38Orientation of TAs Implementation Strategies
- 2 Tiered Orientation Process
- Back to School In-Service
- District Handbook
- Exiting incoming TA meet/shadowing
- Buddy/TA Mentor
- Meeting with administrator
39Orientation of TAs Resources at www.ritap.org/ta
- State Standards Guidelines
- Portfolio Prototype
- Annotated Bibliography
- Instructional Assistant Handbook by Baltimore
County Instructional Assistants Clerical
Employees, etc. - Paraeducator Mentor Program by Washing Education
Association
40Professional Development Requirements
- Law - Ongoing PD for TAs.
- Law - Districts/employers must maintain records
of TA training for the work assignment
continuing education relevant coursework plus
documentation of TAs meeting legally required
qualifications - Guidelines
- Instructional Team Supports
- On-the job training
- Individual professional development plan
-
41PD Implementation Strategies
- Team PD on content effective teamwork/TA use
- Various state federal funds can be used
- Tuition reimbursement
- Cross program visitation
- Mentor teams for beginning teams
- District or school network/study teams
- Professional organization, state local
training, including training for teachers when
appropriate - Attending training as teams
- Paid release time for TAs to attend training
- Minimum requirements for TA PD (x hours per year)
- Using email to keep TAs up-to-date
42PD Resources
- RIDE Affiliated PD
- Regional Teacher Assistant Networks
- Specialized Training Opportunities
- Working with Students Who Have Speech/language
Impairments - Supporting Students with Behaviors that Interfere
with Learning and/or Relationships - Other
- Free Low Cost Training Opportunities in RI
- Paraeducator Learning Network (PLN) by Master
Teacher
43Career Ladder
- District Strategies
- TAs encouraged to continue education
- Provide reimbursement for training
- Chance to interview for open positions/promote
from within - May take leave of absence for training or to
accept another position (promotion) in district
on trial basis. - Move up a step each year.
- CCRI Supports
- Field Placements for Persons Who are Working in
Field - Portfolio Assessment for Credit for Prior
Learning - Credit for RIDE Affiliated Training
- Flexible Course Offerings
- Career Advancement Supports at RIC for TAs Who
Want to Become Special Education Teachers -
44PD Resources at www.ritap.org/ta
- State Standards Guidelines
- Worksheets
- Paraeducator Skills/Confidence Inventory
- Paraeducator Growth Development Plan
- Annotated Bibliography - Numerous training
modules related materials available on loan - Training Opportunities Information
-
45Supervision Requirements
- Law - TA performs duties under the supervision
direction of the classroom teacher or other
appropriately certified/ licensed staff - RI Guidelines Definition - Supervisor is the
instructional team leader/person(s) from whom TA
takes instructional program direction - in most
instances the teacher
46Guidelines for Supervision
- Orientation for TA Role on Instructional Team
- Management of Schedule/Delegation
- On-the-Job Training
- Management of the Work Environment
- Encouragement of Professional Behavior
47Supervision Implementation Strategies
- Regularly scheduled common planning time
- Common use of teachers plan book
- Message center
- Data/charts of student progress
- Communication long/notebook
- Train teachers on how to work with TAs
- Periodic meetings, e.g., special education
directors, grade level, etc. - Team develops strategies with administrative
support
48Supervision Resources at www.ritap.org/ta
- State Standards Guidelines
- Various Worksheets
- Annotated Bibliography - Numerous books to borrow
or purchase
49Performance Evaluation of TAs Requirements
- RI Guidelines distinguish from supervision
- Typically conducted by building principal or
other administrator - Include input of supervisor TA
50Guidelines for Performance Evaluation
- Standards for Evaluation - linked to state
standards /or job description - Styles of Evaluation - Choose from various format
options - Individual PD Plan - Link evaluation to PD
51Performance Evaluation Implementation Strategies
- Guidelines Evaluation Format Options
- Self-evaluation
- 360 Degree Feedback
- Checklists
- Paired Interviews/Surveys
- Conferencing
- Observation
- Portfolios
52Performance Evaluation Implementation Strategies
- Annual evaluation
- Performance-based
- Identify expectations at beginning of year based
on - job description
- team meeting /or
- goal setting
53Performance Evaluation Resources at
www.ritap.org/ta
- State Standards Guidelines
- Worksheet Paraeducator Performance Rating
- Annotated Bibliography - Numerous books to borrow
or purchase
54Effective Use of Teacher Assistants Module
Orientation Exercise
- Pre- post module test
- Open book assignment used in conjunction with
access to Teacher Assistant website followed by
discussion of learnings
55Guided Discussion
- Generic set of questions to use/adapt
- For each module section
- For module as a whole
56Bibliography
- Many of these resources
- appear on Annotated Bibliography
- available on loan
57?About the Authors
- Developers
- Peggy Hayden (peggy_hayden_at_ids.net)
- Ann Marie Dubuque (adubuque_at_providence.edu)
- Funded by the RI Department of Education
- Support from
- RI Technical Assistant Project (RITAP) at RI
College - RI State Improvement Grant (RISIG) at Paul V.
Sherlock Center on Disabilities at RI College