A Checklist for Mentoring the Paraprofessional

How Can This Checklist Help You?

The purpose of this checklist is to help teachers and paraprofessionals understand their roles and responsibilities as they relate to each other.

Good communication is the most important factor for any classroom instruction team. The information in this

checklist will help team members better communicate as they work together for the benefit of students. It will assist teachers to work effectively with paraprofessionals by clarifying the paraprofessional’s duties and their relationship with students and teachers.

When Should This Checklist Be Used?

This checklist should be used throughout the year whenever paraprofessionals are part of an instructional team. Paraprofessionals can use it to formulate questions and clarify their roles. Teachers can use it strengthen their roles as instructional leaders.

? The Paraprofessional Mentor Checklist will help paraprofessionals ask the right questions about school policies and

procedures. It provides the framework for working with supervisors, performing assigned tasks, assisting and supporting curriculum and instruction, dealing with student behavior, assisting students with special needs, training and professional development, and ethics and professionalism. Teachers and paraprofessionals will use this checklist as a guide during their scheduled meeting time.

? “A PLANNING TOOL” The Teacher’s Role in Mentoring the Paraprofessional Checklist helps teachers orient

paraprofessionals to the school and classroom, develop appropriate ways to manage and direct the work of paraprofessionals, assigns tasks and give directions, discuss curriculum and student behavior, provide on-the-job training, and give useful feedback to paraprofessionals. Teachers will use “A PLANNING TOOL” checklist as a guide when mentoring a paraprofessional during the school year.

A Checklist for Mentoring the Paraprofessional 2004-05

Teacher: ______________________________ School: _______________________________

Paraprofessional: ______________________ Assignment: ___________________________ ? Teachers, schedule time to meet with your paraprofessional(s) to discuss sections of the handbook & work through

the items on the checklist. Each staff member should have his or her own copy. ? Teachers and Paraprofessionals: Please complete this packet, A Checklist for Mentoring the Paraprofessional,

by Oct.8, 2004. Please sign and return the attached “Letter of Assurance” form to the Paraprofessional Committee by Oct.15, 2004.

? Use N/A if not applicable

Presented: (Date)

Learning School Policies & Procedures

Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more,

yes/no)

Completed

Name of Teacher

Name of Coordinator

Name of Principal

Name of Secretary

Name of Nurse

Names of Inclusion Teachers

Presented: (Date)

Learning School Policies & Procedures

Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more,

yes/no)

Completed

Names of related staff team members, OT, PT, SP/L, APE, AT, IM, MT

? OT

? PT

? SP/L

? APE Teacher

? Assistive Tech

? Intervention Manager

? Music Therapist

Map of the school building

Tour of the school building if needed

Copy of school parent/student handbook

School calendar (KCSEC Color-coded)

KCSEC Handbook www.kcsec.org Look under documents

KCSEC Policy Manual www.kcsec.org Look under documents

Playground policies

Presented: (Date)

General Information Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more,

yes/no)

Completed

Orientation Checklist

? Class Schedule (Update as

needed)

? Your schedule (Update as

needed)

? Your hours - # of contract hours

? Break time

? Lunch time – 30 min duty free

? Assigned duties outside of the ? classroom, lunchroom, bus,

playground)

Evaluation Form

Who does your evaluation?

When are the evaluations done?

Copy of evaluation form

Attendance Policy

Procedure for reporting off

Name of sub caller

Classroom Phone Number

Presented: (Date)

General Information Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more,

yes/no)

Completed

KCSEC Phone number

630-553-5833

When should you call?

Which team members should you call?

Attendance at staff meetings

Email address & how to access it

Parent communication protocol

Student discipline procedures

Communication with staff about students

Policy regarding confidentiality

Fire Drill Procedure

Tornado Drill Procedure

Attendance at open houses, special events, etc.

My role when teacher is absent

Understand the “chain of command”

Presented: (Date)

Performing Assigned Tasks Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more,

yes/no)

Completed

Goals of the team and your role in

helping to achieve those goals.

Your role in classroom organization

? Preparing/organizing instructional

materials

? Maintaining equipment

? Bulletin boards

Your role in building activities

? School safety procedures

? Monitoring the lunchroom,

playground, hall, bathrooms

? Accompanying students to art,

music, and PE

? Accompanying students to OT,

PT, SP/L

? Transferring students on and off

the bus

Your role regarding clerical duties

? Attendance – Entering student

attendance on the classroom computer

Presented: (Date)

Performing Assigned Tasks Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more,

yes/no)

Completed

? Making copies of materials

? Filing and organizing

? Recording grades

? Word processing

? Collecting money (books, milk,

lunch, school activities)

? Grading papers & checking

student work for completion

? Taking inventory of materials and

supplies

? Collecting homework

Presented: (Date)

Supporting Curriculum & Instruction

Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more,

yes/no)

Completed

Implement teacher developed instructional strategies

Implement teacher designed lesson plans

Assist teachers with individual learning activities whenever requested

Presented: (Date)

Supporting Curriculum & Instruction

Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more,

yes/no)

Completed

Assist in the preparation of learning materials

Be aware of the different methods used by teachers to accommodate a learner’s needs.

Assist teachers with modifications and accommodations for students with special needs.

Use of technology in the classroom

Your role in the use of technology

Follow teacher’s plan for strengthening student’s academic skills

Understand educational jargon and terminology. Ask questions if you don’t understand a term. ***See Handbook

Be aware of how different learning styles affect the performance of individual children

Presented: (Date)

Dealing with Student Behavior Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more,

yes/no)

Completed

Use positive behavior management

strategies

Presented: (Date)

Dealing with Student Behavior Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more,

yes/no)

Completed

Be aware of teacher’s plan for addressing inappropriate behavior

Understand effective strategies for dealing with verbal outbursts

Understand effective strategies for dealing with other forms of resistance

Be aware of the behavior management strategies used by each teacher you work with. Teachers may have different approaches to behavior management and reinforcement.

Avoid the use of physical management

Presented:

(Date) Assisting Students with

Special Needs Explanatory Notes Follow up:

(Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Request general disability information if you do not understand the characteristics of the disability.

Understand the roles of related services personnel, OT, PT, SPL, school nurse, Intervention Managers

Participate in training sessions provided by related services personnel as needed

Perform range of motion (ROM) exercises as assigned

Presented: (Date)

Assisting Students with Special Needs

Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more,

yes/no)

Completed

Assist with accommodations and curriculum modifications

Respond to medically related needs of students, understands & follows emergency plans

Providing personal physical care to students

Reminding students to follow personal hygiene and safety practices

Monitoring physical environment for safety

Model appropriate behavior, for others, when working with special needs students

Follow universal precautions when toileting students or addressing an injury when blood is present

Participate in PT training sessions to learn proper procedures for lifting students

Participate in training sessions to learn proper techniques when using adaptive positioning equipment

Presented: (Date)

Obtaining Training & Professional Development

Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more,

yes/no)

Completed

Find out what staff development will be available to you

Ask about training – OT, PT, SP/L, APE

Ability to obtain raises with college credit (12 hrs)

Presented: (Date)

Maintaining Ethics & Professionalism

Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more,

yes/no)

Completed

Maintain your own wellness, composure, and emotional stability while working with students and staff.

Present yourself as a positive role model

Share relevant information with your team members.

Participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings as requested.

Understand the value of the team approach

Follow the directions of the supervising teacher and other licensed staff.

Presented: (Date)

Maintaining Ethics & Professionalism

Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more,

yes/no)

Completed

Provide accurate information about students to those who need tie information (supervising teacher, related services personnel)

Maintain confidentiality

Discuss any concerns with your supervising teacher

Refer concerns expressed by parents, students or other staff to your supervising teacher.

Procedure when you feel problems cannot be resolved

Respect students

Respect parental rights

A PLANNING TOOL

The Teacher’s Role in Mentoring the Paraprofessional 2004-05

Teacher: __________________________ Paraprofessional: _________________________

? Please use this checklist as a guide while mentoring your paraprofessional this year.

Presented: (Date)

Beginning the School Year Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Meet with paraprofessional before the first day of school or their first day on the job.

Provide an atmosphere of respect, recognition, and open communication.

Introduce the paraprofessional to other teachers, paraprofessionals, and support personnel in the building.

Discuss school rules and policies regarding behavior on the playground, lunchroom, bathrooms, hallways, library, etc.

Show paraprofessional where supplies are kept and how they are obtained.

Presented: (Date)

Beginning the School Year Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Discuss building and classroom emergency procedures.

Discuss school safety issues and policies.

Presented: (Date)

Introducing Paraprofessionals to Your

Classroom

Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Allow the paraprofessional to spend some time observing you and other staff.

Provide an initial orientation to your classroom, including:

? Daily routines

? Daily and weekly schedules

? Instructional procedures

? Classroom rules

? Lesson plan format

Presented: (Date)

Introducing Paraprofessionals to Your

Classroom

Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Explain the activities that take place at the beginning of each class, such as:

? Attendance recording

? Lunch counts

? Special services, OT, PT,

SP/L

Explain your class policy regarding:

? Classroom procedures

? Room organization and

clean-up

? Dismissing the class and

small groups

? Student rules

? Bathroom rules, if relevant

? Use of pens vs. pencils

? Neatness, incomplete work,

late or missing work, and make-up work

Presented: (Date)

Introducing Paraprofessionals to Your

Classroom

Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Discuss the short- and long-term goals of the class or program and student’s strengths and weaknesses.

Provide a spot for the paraprofessional to put his/her belongings, materials, etc.

Presented: (Date)

Managing Paraprofessionals

Explanatory Notes) Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Take time to provide clear instructions and complete information to the paraprofessional.

Discuss the appropriate roles and responsibilities of the teacher and the paraprofessional.

Ask about the paraprofessional expectations of you, the teacher.

Share your expectations for the paraprofessional

Communicate in a clear and receptive manner

Presented: (Date)

Managing Paraprofessionals

Explanatory Notes) Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Build time in your schedule to plan and communicate with the paraprofessional. Communicate with your coordinator if there is a problem a set time communication time.

Provide a schedule that includes a set meeting time, either daily or weekly. Discuss how you will communicate if you miss your scheduled time.

Don’t constantly interrupt the paraprofessional during the day.

Coordinate activities with the paraprofessional so that both of you can get as much done as possible.

Organize and provide the materials and resources the paraprofessional needs to carry out the assignment.

Presented: (Date)

Discussing Curriculum and Instruction

Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more, yes/no

Completed

Introduce the paraprofessional to instructional procedures

Presented: (Date)

Discussing Curriculum and Instruction

Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more, yes/no

Completed

Discuss classroom-learning goals.

Explain your teaching philosophy and teaching style.

Discuss your lesson plan format.

Share teacher guides for texts and materials.

Discuss how students are motivated in the learning environment.

Introduce paraprofessional to classroom learning stations and explain how they are used.

Allow paraprofessional time to familiarize themselves with educational software and technology

Demonstrate or arrange for technology training for paraprofessional

If the paraprofessional is primarily assigned to one student, clarify the teacher’s role in the student’s instruction.

Presented:

(Date) Discussing Curriculum

and Instruction Explanatory Notes Follow up:

(Need more, yes/no Completed

Provide assistance and direction to paraprofessional who work in semi-independent situations, such as ? Community transition support ? Work study

? Transportation, etc.

? Computer labs

Support paraprofessional in using modified instructional plans and materials to accommodate the learning needs of various students.

Encourage the paraprofessional to share observations of student’s needs.

Explain the paraprofessional’s role in: ? Testing (assessment) ? Written assignments ? Adapting or modifying

curriculum ? Technology ? Monitoring student

performance

Presented: (Date)

Discussing Curriculum and Instruction

Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more, yes/no

Completed

Discuss health-related needs of specific students, as appropriate.

Presented: (Date)

Working with Parents and Families

Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Discuss the paraprofessional’s role with parents and families of students.

Discuss the importance of confidentiality and parent communication and families.

Address the importance of respecting and listening to students and families.

Presented: (Date)

Discussing Student Behavior

Explanatory Notes Follow up (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Discuss student accountability and expectations.

Discuss time-out policy

Presented: (Date)

Discussing Student Behavior

Explanatory Notes Follow up (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Discuss discipline in the classroom and your expectations for managing students’ behavior. Include your views on positive reinforcement.

Explain your policy on students who talk during seatwork.

Discuss what behavior is expected of students when they’ve completed an assignment.

Discuss classroom rules and regulations.

Explain student restroom rules, if needed.

Explain out-of-seat policies.

Explain expected behavior of students in both large and small groups.

Address the importance of respecting and listening to students.

Presented: (Date)

Promoting Training and Professional Development

Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Provide opportunities for on-the-job training

Plan and provide on-the-job coaching based on the needs of the paraprofessional.

Presented: (Date)

Giving Feedback Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Plan a program of early observations and positive structured support.

Compliment paraprofessional on their contributions to the program and let them know how much you appreciate their assistance.

Provide regular constructive feedback regarding each paraprofessional’s work performance.

Share your plan to give paraprofessional’s feedback on their performance and when feedback will be provided.

When giving feedback, begin by saying what the paraprofessional does well, then giving suggestions for improvement.

Presented: (Date)

Giving Feedback Explanatory Notes Follow up: (Need more, yes/no)

Completed

Discuss the evaluation criteria that will be used to assess the paraprofessional’s work performance. Develop list of daily/weekly expectations

Go over the aide evaluation form

Discuss formal and informal assessment and the paraprofessional’s role in assessment.

Provide a way for both teacher and paraprofessional to evaluate the team relationship.

Use the following items to provide feedback on the paraprofessional’s skills: ? Follows lesson as planned ? Establishes rapport with

students ? Shows understanding and

sensitivity to student needs ? Gives clear instructions to the

student or group ? Uses appropriate questions

and cues ? Uses materials effectively

? Teaches lesson objective

? Keeps lesson focused on

goals and objectives ? Keeps students on task

? Gives appropriate feedback

to students ? Uses positive reinforcement

effectively ? Stays on task and uses

allotted time effectively