Course Description
This course will focus on an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the educational paraprofessional/paraeducator. Learning outcomes are based on levels one and two of the National Paraeducator standards, and include information on behavior techniques, communication, legal issues, instructional strategies, and roles and responsibilities. (3 credits)
Prerequisite
- None
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Define, describe, and apply paraeducator roles and professional standards.
- Listen and communicate (written and verbally) with a diverse audience, including students, parents/guardians, staff, visitors, and community.
- Apply legal, ethical, and culturally sensitive practices.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the unique learning needs of individual students.
- Know and apply effective social, emotional, and behavioral support for all children, including children with developmental delays and/or disabilities.
- Know and apply effective instructional supports and strategies for all children, including children with developmental delays and/or disabilities.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-8) | 32% |
Quizzes (Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6) | 20% |
Classroom Observation, Verification & Reflection (Week 5) | 20% |
Paraeducator Interview, Verification & Reflection (Week 7) | 10% |
Final Case Study Report (Week 8) | 18% |
Total | 100% |
Required Materials
- There are no required textbooks for this course.
Additional Requirement
- Students are required to complete one observation of a paraeducator working in an educational setting, where they will submit a signed verification form and reflection form in Week 5 of this course. Students are also required to interview a paraeducator, where they will submit a signed verification form and reflection form in Week 7 of this course. Because it does take time to make arrangements to observe in a school setting, students are required to begin planning for these visits in Week 1. Students should reach out to the Field Experience Coordinator for assistance in contacting schools. The College has provided a letter of introduction to assist students in arranging for the visit.
Recommended Resources
- National Resource Center for Paraeducators Website: http://www.nrcpara.org.
- CT Paraeducator Information and Resources Website: https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/Paraeducator/Paraeducator-Information-and-Resources.
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1 | Topics: Roles and Responsibility |
|
2 | 2 | Topic: Communication |
|
3 | 3 | Topics: Legal and Ethical Issues |
|
4 | 4 | Topic: Exceptional Learners |
|
5 | 5 | Topic: Managing Behaviors |
|
6 | 6 | Topic: Instructional Strategies, Part 1 |
|
7 | 6 | Topic: Instructional Strategies, Part 2 |
|
8 | 1-6 | Topic: Case Study Report |
|
COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.