Wisconsin

Department of Education

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Teacher Aide/Teacher Assistant/Paraprofessional

Compliance with NCLB

• ESEA Grant - ESEA Highly Qualified Paraprofessionals
  • Reviews federal mandated expectations
  • Several documents are available from this site
    • Paraprofessional Competencies&Professional Development Options
      • Competencies are available in this document (see Standards to Measure Professional Growth of Paraeducators in this report)
      • Suggestions are given as to the topics to include in paraprofessional orientation (pg. 6)
      • The different routes of professional development that may be available for school districts to offer paraprofessionals is detailed (pg. 7-10).
• Wisconsin Recommended Assessment Guidelines for Local School Districts Use for Title I Paraprofessionals
  • Reviews federal mandated expectations
  • Defines roles and responsibilities of paraprofessionals under ESEA
  • Recommendations are provided for local agencies that wish to establish an assessment to assist paraprofessionals to become highly qualified.
  • Forms are also provided that local agencies might use to report paraprofessional compliance.
• ESEA Information Update, Topic: Paraprofessionals - Frequently Asked Questions
  • Restates federal mandated expectations
• ESEA Information Update, Topic: Requirements for Paraprofessionals
  • Reviews federal mandated expectations
• Highly Qualified Staff
  • Clarifies federal mandated expectations
• Bilingual Teacher's Aides - Requirements
  • Distinguishes the definition due to being outside NCLB requirements

Standards to Measure Professional Growth of Paraeducators

• Paraprofessional Competencies&Professional Development Options
  • Competencies include skills and/or knowledge paraprofessionals need to perform a specific job adequately. The following content areas are addressed:
    • Support and Collaboration - The paraprofessional has an understanding of the respective roles and responsibilities of licensed staff (teachers, administrators, education specialists, etc.) in supporting students and collaborating with each other.
    • Communication - The paraprofessional has the ability to communicate with colleagues, follow instructions, and use problem-solving and other skills that will enable him/her to work as an effective member of the instructional team.
    • Growth and Development of Children and Youth - The paraprofessional has an understanding of the various developmental stages of children and youth.
    • Behavior Management - The paraprofessional has the ability to assist in supporting and managing positive student behavior.
    • Instructional Strategies - The paraprofessional has knowledge of and can assist the teacher in applying the elements of effective instruction.
    • Diversity - The paraprofessional has an awareness of and respect for diversity among children, youth, families, and colleagues.
    • Technology - The paraprofessional has knowledge and skills necessary to support instruction using technology.
    • Commitment to Professional Growth - The paraprofessional is committed to being a reflective practitioner and to participate in professional growth.

Policy that Distinguishes Paraeducators Working with Special Education

• Wisconsin Special Education Paraprofessionals
  • Reviews expectations of IDEA 2004 and state expectations of Special Education Program Aide License
  • Several other documents may be accessed from this site
    • Frequently Asked Questions About Special Education Paraprofessionals
      • Defines the role and the responsibilities of the paraprofessional and supervisor
      • Establishes that all hired for this role must be licensed by the state of Wisconsin
• Special Education Program Aide License
  • All employed Special Education Program Aides must hold a license issued by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
  • To apply for a license:
    • Be 18 years of age
    • Application requested by employing school district administrator
    • Renewals must also be requested by employer
• Paraprofessional Network
  • Access to informative newsletters

Resource Guide for Supervisors: Assisting Local Agencies in Supervision of Paraeducators Beyond NCLB Mandated Expectations

Not evident

Standards to Measure the Professional Growth of Teachers in a Position to Supervise Paraeducators

Not evident