Course Description
This course provides students with specific strategies to prevent and manage challenging student behaviors while maintaining a safe and positive school climate. Learning outcomes are based on the National Paraprofessional standards, Levels 1-3. Students are provided with numerous modes of learning, including lecture, group discussion, activities and classroom observations to assist them in learning and demonstrating the content of working with students with behavioral difficulties. (3 credits)
Prerequisite
- ENG 101: English Composition 1
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Summarize and support practices that promote a safe, positive school climate across school, classroom, and virtual environments for all students, including those with disabilities and/or developmental delays.
- Support the implementation of social emotional and behavioral interventions for students, including children/youth with disabilities and/or developmental delays, as determined by the instructional team.
- Work collaboratively as a member of an instructional team to support positive student behavior and contribute to a safe, inclusive school climate for all students, including those with disabilities and/or developmental delays.
- Respond appropriately to student actions and behaviors using strategies implemented under the guidance and direction of the instructional team.
- Employ effective interpersonal skills, proactive supports, reactive strategies, and reductive techniques to manage student behavior—including behavior of students with disabilities or developmental delays—before, during, and after escalation.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-8) | 32% |
Quizzes (Weeks 1-5) | 20% |
Classroom Observation, Verification & Reflection Form (Week 6) | 20% |
Behavior Data Collection Assessment (Week 7) | 10% |
Final Case Study Paper (Week 8) | 18% |
Total | 100% |
Required Texts
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 6 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 Resource
- 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, 3 | Topic: School Climate |
|
2 | 1-3 | Topic: Social, Emotional and Behavior Support |
|
3 | 2 | Topic: Multi-Tiered System of Support |
|
4 | 3, 5 | Topic: Interpersonal Skills |
|
5 | 5 | Topic: Proactive Practices |
|
6 | 4, 5 | Topic: Reactive Strategies |
|
7 | 4, 5 | Topic: Reductive Techniques and Out of Control Behavior |
|
8 | 1-5 | Topic: Final Case Study Paper |
|
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.