In This Assignment You Will Be Given A Classroom Scen 258568
In This Assignment You Will Be Given A Classroom Scenario That Will A
In this assignment, you will be given a classroom scenario that will allow you to practice your ability to foster collaboration between the classroom teacher and an assisting paraeducator. Scenario: Mrs. Smith is a teacher in an inclusion classroom that will have a total of 30 students including four students with LD and two students with ED. She was just informed that a paraeducator would assist her in the classroom for the new school year. She has spoken to the paraeducator and it appears that the two will work very well together in terms of compatible personalities and philosophies regarding students with exceptionalities.
However, Mrs. Smith has never worked with a paraeducator before. Further, the paraeducator has never had this job role before, but has worked as a Sunday school teacher and loves children. Based on the scenario, address the following prompts in a 1,000-1,250-word action plan summary: 1. Goal statement for collaboration purposes. 2. Basic rules/expectations for all students in the classroom (minimum of four). 3. Roles and responsibilities of the teacher and the paraeducator. 4. Outline of training that the teacher will provide for the paraeducator. 5. Recommended steps to take, for all involved stakeholders, to evaluate student progress. Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
Paper For Above instruction
Effective collaboration between teachers and paraeducators is vital for fostering an inclusive and productive learning environment, particularly when addressing the diverse needs of students with exceptionalities. In the scenario involving Mrs. Smith and the newly assigned paraeducator, establishing a clear, comprehensive action plan is essential to ensure that both parties work synergistically to support student achievement. This paper develops a detailed strategy covering collaboration goals, classroom rules, roles and responsibilities, training plans, and evaluation procedures, aligned with best practices in inclusive education.
Goal Statement for Collaboration
The primary goal of the collaboration between Mrs. Smith and the paraeducator is to create a supportive, well-organized classroom environment that facilitates meaningful learning experiences for all students, especially those with learning disabilities (LD) and emotional disturbance (ED). This entails fostering open communication, mutual respect, and shared responsibility for student success. The collaboration aims to harness each individual's strengths—Mrs. Smith’s instructional expertise and the paraeducator’s interpersonal skills—to implement effective individualized education plan (IEP) strategies and adapt instructional methods as needed. The partnership’s success will be measured through ongoing assessments of student progress, classroom climate, and the effectiveness of team communication.
Basic Rules and Expectations for Students
- Respect for peers, teachers, and staff: All students are expected to treat others with kindness and courtesy, fostering a positive classroom community.
- Active engagement in learning: Students should participate actively in lessons, activities, and discussions, demonstrating their effort and interest.
- Respect for classroom environment: Maintaining a neat, organized space, and handling materials responsibly to support a conducive learning atmosphere.
- Adherence to behavioral expectations: Students are expected to follow established routines and behavior management policies to ensure safety and order.
Roles and Responsibilities of Teacher and Paraeducator
The teacher, Mrs. Smith, is responsible for designing instruction, implementing curriculum, assessing student learning, and managing classroom behavior. She will also oversee the paraeducator’s engagement and ensure that their actions align with instructional goals. The paraeducator’s responsibilities include supporting instructional activities, assisting students with disabilities in implementing IEP accommodations, supervising group work, and collecting observational data as directed. They will work collaboratively, with clear delineation of duties, to ensure that individual student needs are met while maintaining classroom routines.
Outline of Training for the Paraeducator
The training provided by Mrs. Smith will include an initial orientation covering school policies, classroom routines, and confidentiality protocols. The paraeducator will receive instruction on specific student needs, IEP goals, and classroom behavior expectations. Ongoing professional development will involve modeling instructional techniques, co-teaching opportunities, and regular feedback sessions. Key components include training in behavior management strategies, data collection procedures, and ways to facilitate social skills development. This continuous support aims to build the paraeducator’s confidence, competence, and familiarity with instructional practices and student characteristics.
Steps for Evaluating Student Progress
Evaluation of student progress will involve multiple stakeholders and a variety of methods. Mrs. Smith and the paraeducator will collaboratively review observational data, academic assessments, and behavioral reports bi-weekly. Meeting regularly ensures alignment in instructional strategies and timely adjustments. Additionally, formal evaluations, such as review of IEP goal attainment, will be conducted at designated intervals each semester. Communication with parents and other team members will provide comprehensive insights into student development. This ongoing evaluation process ensures accountability, informs instructional modifications, and supports the achievement of educational objectives for all students.
Conclusion
In conclusion, establishing a clear collaboration plan, defining rules and roles, providing targeted training, and instituting systematic evaluation processes are essential steps in optimizing the support provided to students with exceptionalities. Through intentional planning and continuous communication, Mrs. Smith and the paraeducator can develop a cohesive team that enhances student engagement and success, ensuring an inclusive and adaptive learning environment.
References
- Hauge, J. M., & Babkie, A. M. (2006). Develop collaborative special educator--paraprofessional teams: one para's view. Intervention in School & Clinic, 42(1), 51-53.
- Pickett, A., & Gerlach, K. (2003). Strategies for training paraeducators. Teaching Exceptional Children, 35(5), 50–55.
- Friend, M., & Cook, L. (2017). Interactions: Collaboration Skills for School Professionals. Pearson.
- Suter, J., & Flick, L. (2004). Collaboration in special education. Teaching Exceptional Children, 36(4), 12-20.
- Snell, M. E., & Janney, R. (2010). Paraeducators in inclusive classrooms: working effectively with teachers and students. Journal of Special Education Leadership, 23(2), 55-63.
- U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA): A Guide for Paraprofessionals. Washington, DC.
- McLaughlin, T. F., et al. (2015). Inclusive Education: Principles and Practices. Pearson.
- Harris, M. B. (2018). The Effective Inclusion of Students with Disabilities. Routledge.
- Dokken, D. (2007). Building effective teams for inclusive schools. Journal of Educational Leadership, 15(3), 22-29.
- Friend, M., et al. (2018). Special Education. Pearson.