Instructor Shaun G. Lynch: Chapter 1 Perception Mark
Instructor Shaun G Lynch Cfre Ret1 1chapter 2perceptionmark
Find out the educational supports and services available for students with severe learning and behavior problems at a school in your district. Discuss the role of paraprofessionals working with these students. Write a 1-2 page paper using APA format.
Paper For Above instruction
Students with severe learning and behavior problems require comprehensive educational supports and specialized services to facilitate their learning and development. These supports are typically offered through a combination of school-based programs, external resources, and individualized intervention plans. In most school districts, support services include special education programs tailored to meet the unique needs of such students, as well as related services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and behavioral interventions. These services are coordinated through an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which sets specific goals and outlines the supports necessary for the student's success.
Within these support structures, paraprofessionals play a critical role. Paraprofessionals, also known as teacher assistants or aides, work closely with students under the supervision of licensed teachers or special educators. Their responsibilities may include providing one-on-one instructional support, assisting with behavioral management, adapting instructional materials to meet individual needs, and facilitating communication between the student and the classroom environment. Paraprofessionals serve as a bridge between students and teachers, ensuring that students with severe learning and behavioral challenges receive personalized attention and support that enable their participation in classroom activities.
The role of paraprofessionals extends beyond direct instructional assistance. They often contribute to creating a positive classroom climate by implementing behavioral strategies and supporting social skills development. Additionally, paraprofessionals may perform administrative duties related to student records and progress monitoring, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and educational standards. Essential to their role is a thorough understanding of each student's unique needs, as well as training in behavior management techniques, communication methods, and intervention strategies.
Effective collaboration between teachers, paraprofessionals, and other support staff enhances the educational experience for students with severe learning and behavioral issues. Paraprofessionals often attend IEP meetings, participate in planning sessions, and communicate closely with teachers and specialists to ensure consistent application of instructional strategies and behavioral supports. By providing targeted assistance, paraprofessionals help foster an inclusive learning environment where all students have equitable opportunities to succeed.
In conclusion, educational supports for students with severe learning and behavior problems are comprehensive and multifaceted, involving specialized services and personalized intervention plans. Paraprofessionals are integral to this framework, offering vital support that promotes academic achievement, behavioral regulation, and social participation. Their collaboration with teachers and specialists ensures that students receive the necessary accommodations and interventions to thrive academically and socially in the school setting.
References
- Friend, M., & Cook, L. (2017). Interventions for Students with Severe Disabilities. Pearson.
- Gargiulo, R. M., & Kilgore, T. L. (2017). An Introduction to Young Children with Special Needs. Cengage Learning.
- Mitchell, D. (2014). What Really Works in Special Education: Using Evidence-Based Teaching Strategies. Routledge.
- Werts, M. G., & Buckholdt, D. R. (2019). Supporting Students with Severe and Multiple Disabilities. Paul H. Brookes Publishing.
- Yell, M. L., Rozalski, M., & Katsiyannis, A. (2020). The Law and Special Education. Routledge.
- Billingsley, B. S. (2018). Supporting Special Education Paraprofessionals: A Guide for Supervisors. Council for Exceptional Children.
- McLeskey, J., et al. (2017). Inclusive Schools and Childhood Disabilities. Springer.
- Heward, W. L. (2018). Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education. Pearson.
- Turnbull, A., et al. (2019). Exceptional Lives: Special Education in Today's Schools. Pearson.
- Simonsen, B., Fairbanks, S., Briesch, A., Myers, D., & Sugai, G. (2018). Response to Intervention: A Proven Method for Early Identification and Support. Journal of Behavioral Education.