The Paraeducator Effectiveness Study: Supervision Models in Inclusive and Self-Contained

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Elena Sandoval-Lucero, Ph.D.National Conference for Paraprofessionals

April 30, 2009

The Research on Paraeducator Supervision

Duties/Responsibilities Research has found that teachers tend to assign responsibilities to paraeducators based on how they perceive the paraeducator role (i.e. clerical versus. Instructional) regardless of the individual interests, career goals, skills, or abilities of paraeducators (Rueda & Monzo, 2000).A more effective method of supervising paraeducators would be to design individualized job descriptions for paraeducators based on their interests, strengths, and abilities (French, 2002; Giangreco, 2003; Rueda & Monzo, 2000).

The Research on Paraeducator Supervision

Training, Coaching, Feedback In numerous recent studies, paraeducators report inadequate paraeducator training, confusion about roles and responsibilities, low salaries, limited advancement, lack of support, and under appreciation of their contribution (Chopra, Sandoval-Lucero, Aragon, Berg de Balderas, Bernal, & Carroll, 2004; French & Cabell, 1993; French & Chopra, 1999; Giangreco, 2003; Hadadian & Yssel, 1998; Mendez-Negrete & Saldana, 2004; Morehouse & Albright, 1991; Passaro, Pickett, Latham, & HongBo, 1994; Pickett, Likins, & Wallace, 2003; Rueda, Monzo, & Higareda 2004).

On the other hand, paraeducators who are well trained report satisfaction with learning and are able to apply new skills on the job (Griffin-Shirley, & Matlock, 2004; Hall, McClannahan, & Krantz, 1995; Owens, Fredrick, & Shippen, 2004; Reinoehl & Halle, 1994; Storey, Smith, & Strain, 1993)

The Research on Paraeducator Supervision

CollaborationParaeducators who describe being valued members of the team are better able to fulfill important and needed roles such as helping to create strong connections between the school and the community (Chopra,Sandoval-Lucero, Aragon, Carroll, Berg de Balderas, & Bernal, 2004).

Teacher as ExecutiveThe inclusive special educator is responsible for coordinating a complex system of adults, students, paraeducators, related service providers, and general classroom teachers. This contemporary role is similar to that of an executive in a business setting (French & Chopra, 2006).

Executive Functions of Paraeducator Paraeducator SupervisionSupervision

Providing OrientationPlanning for ParaeducatorScheduling Delegating Promoting Paraeducator Growth and

DevelopmentMonitoring Performance Managing the Workplace

Paraeducator Effectiveness Study

This research explored the hypothesis that paraeducators affect student achievement It documents the use of research-based methods and techniques by paraeducators in Colorado who have taken CO-TOP training and those who have not.The study also considers the context in which the paraeducators work, including systems of supervision.

CO-TOP (Comprehensive Training Opportunities for Paraeducators)

Paraeducator training curriculum provides research-based techniques to paraeducators in greater depth than many training programs.

Topics selected based on needs assessments, studies of paraeducator duties, and the literature.

Curriculum developed over time using experts to advise, panels to review, field testing, revising, and final formatting

Delivered in districts by local instructors who have been trained to deliver the curriculum

Mixed Methods Design Data Collection

Teachers

•LoU Interview

•Supervising TeacherAssessment of

Paraeducator Skills

•Demographic Information

Paraeducators•They do their jobs •We observe while

they work

•Complete a Self-Report Form

•Provide Demographic Information about

themselves

Student Achievement

ACES –Academic

CompetencyEvaluation

Scales

Research Participants - Teachers

Supervising Teacher’s # of Years in this school< 1year = 82-5 years = 51 6-10 years = 1511-15 years = 816+ years = 9Secret # of years = 4

Position of Person with whom Paraeducator works

2 - Classroom teacher 2 – Library Technology Educator8 - Speech/Language Pathologist83- special education teacher

Supervising Teacher length of time supervising this paraeducator < 1 year = 101-5 years = 566-10 years = 611-15 years = 216+ years = 2Can’t remember = 19

Supervising Teacher –Training to Supervise Paraeducators?

41 – yes54 – no

Research Participants - Teachers

Ages of Supervising Teachers< 30 years = 831-40 = 1941-50 = 2551-60 = 3361+ = 1

Supervising Teachers Level of Education B.A./ B.S. – 17 M.A./M.S. – 74Won’t tell / Don’t know – 4

Teacher Race/Ethnicity0 = African American, Black2 = Hispanic, Latino0 = Asian86 = White, Caucasian7 = Didn’t say

Findings: Teacher Interviews

We asked about basic components of supervision:

How paraeducators are assigned to particular tasks

How planning occurs for the lessons and tasks paraeducators carry out

Meetings with paraeducators

Coaching, performance monitoring and feedback

# Paraeducators working for teachers who: Trained to Supervise?Yes No

Don’t use basic supervision components 15 33Use basic supervision components 26 21Total 41 54

Findings: Teacher Interviews

The facts:56.8% of paraeducators were supervised by teachers with no preparation to supervise

Of these, 61.1% received little to no supervision

Only 43.2% of paraeducators were supervised by teachers with some preparation to supervise

Of these, only 63.4% actually received coaching and feedback

Our Conclusions:Paraeducators who work with teachers

with no training receive very little supervision – work almost entirely independentlyEven teachers who are trained to

supervise don’t always use what they know

Findings: Paraeducator Work Settings

Settings: We observed paraeducators working in:General education classesSpeech language pathologist’s roomsSpecial education classrooms Libraries Computer labsLunchroomsPlaygroundsBus loading / unloading

Findings: Two Effective Supervision Models

Effective supervision model in a self-contained settingEffective supervision model in an inclusive setting

Providing Orientation: Self Contained Setting

Clear ExpectationsClear Expectations for staff (teachers and paraprofessionals)High Expectations for studentsAbility to see improvementBehavior expectations

“I have very high expectations for the students and the adults.”

“My expectation is that we need to show that the kids are improving and learning something.”

“A passion for kids, and can they get along with adults…Those are the only things I look for when I am hiring. I can teach them other things. I cannot teach them to love children and get along with adults. I believe that very strongly.”

Planning for Paraeducator: Self Contained Setting

Paraeducator Duties/ResponsibilitiesDuties tailored to the student’s needs and the paraeducator’s interests, skills, abilities.Paraeducator input into duties/responsibilities

At the end of the school year when we are looking at next year’s program we attempt to identify the needs and objectives of the students coming in. We know the strengths of the paras and how they fit with the students.We talk to the paras about what types of things they are more comfortable with and what they would like to be doing. If they prefer to work with the reading program [for example].

Scheduling: Self Contained Setting

Master ScheduleTeachers do baseline assessments Task analysisParaeducator input

“I have a schedule for how they are supposed to be collecting data and what they are supposed to teach. They are actually involved in the scheduling itself. The whole schedule is put into place in the spring before the next school year so they know what they are going to be doing when they come in the next school year…We have a lot of variables…we have a master schedule that controls everything. I look at the needs of every student and how we do that.”

Delegating: Self Contained Setting

Clearly defined roles for staffPromoting IndependenceIndividualized based on experience

As a teacher it is my role to take on as many kids as six at once. I see the role of the TA as either one-on-one or a small group. A number of my TA’s can take on more than that. Kathy can take on the whole group because she has been trained in what we are doing and has experienced my programs.I feel that the teacher should do the original testing for the baseline, so the TA knows what they are looking to gain from the baseline. It is the teacher’s role to figure out where to start so they can define the target and the TA can see if there is success.“And once you have a system, I can leave for awhile and the system is still there. You have to model. I don’t just throw someone into something. I will show them how to do is so that it is using independence. We set people up to fail, but I think you need to look at parts of the system. It is important to develop the standards and goals for what to do so they can work independently.”

Promoting Paraeducator Growth and Development: Self Contained Setting

TrainingModelingShadowingObservation

“I have the master schedule to start with. With a new TA I set it up where I am teaching the exact same thing they are, so that we can combine the groups and model it for them or set them up with another TA to watch what she is doing.”

“I do a lot of modeling and the verbal usage I want them using. I watch to see if they are providing the prompts. If we are taking data it is important to differentiate between independently worked on, or prompted production. I have trained them all in terms of collecting data, having to analyze data, and what is the aim to have the student move up.”

“The classroom is set up so that I can work with my students, but I can observe all three locations in the classroom at once.”

“[The classroom set up] is good for behavior problems that I should intervene with. My team has all been trained on what I want them to do with behavior, and how to deal with a behavior. I only do that if I feel I need to. I don’t want to undermine their authority.”

Monitoring Performance: Self-Contained Setting

Feedback/ Reinforcement“I am constantly talking about what I want to see and providing feedback.”

“I am always re-evaluating things. I think that is something teachers need to do. Based upon personalities, strengths of individuals and make changes accordingly.”

CommunicationRelationships with GE teachers

“When my teammates go out into a class they are there to help all students…The nice thing about that is that teachers will be happier to work with my students…It helps my relationships with the general education teachers….A lot of the teachers have been here for while and know my process well. We’ve trained each other. They know my expectations for behavior of our students. And the students know my expectations and we are totally in sync the teachers, paras, me, and the students.”

Monitoring Performance: Self-Contained Setting

Data CollectionAssessment/analysis Ability to see improvement

“We start developing the materials and the assessments that need to be completed in the spring and the paras know what assessments we are looking to do. They know the assessments for all their kids in each specific area. All of them have been trained on how to analyze and give these assessments…We know where every student is performing. If they finish their assessments with their students they know where to go next.”

“I believe in data collection strongly. We collect data on everything…We look where the data points are when they come in, and then we can track the progress that the student makes, see what areas there has been progress and that is reinforcing for the paras.”

Managing the Workplace: Self-Contained Setting

Structure“Structure is great for kids and is just as important for adults. The kids will feel safe and be successful.”

“The classroom is set up so that I can work with my students, but I can observe all three locations in the classroom at once.”

“TA’s get frustrated by confusion. I want everything organized and to run efficiently. No one should be wandering or not doing anything. There is way to much to teach to waste time. TA”s get frustrated by not knowing what to do….. TA”s get frustrated because they don’t see success, but if you provide the right standards for student progress then you will see development.”

Providing Orientation: Inclusive Setting

Clear ExpectationsClear Expectations for staffSuccess expectations for studentsSeeing growthShare students goals and objectivesBehavior expectations

“I prepare a folder for the paras so they’re clear on who they’re working with, what their expectation is, what the child is supposed to be working on. So I think I have pretty clear expectations.”

“All the case managers really do [work together]. Everybody getting along, knowing the expectations…so, we do as case managers spend time really talking about that.”

“They have all the kids’ behavior plans. I’ll have the para help me write the behavior plans, and the general ed teacher.”

Paraeducator Duties and Responsibilities: Inclusive Setting

PlansInformal to More Formal

Duties/ResponsibilitiesParaeducator duties tailored to student’s needs and paraeducator interests, skills, abilitiesGE teacher and paraeducator input

“It just depends on the extent of training of the para and the significance of the child. For some paras I will write at this time this is exactly what I want you to doand these are the activities that I want you to do. There are other paras that I’ll say, ‘These are the goals and objectives that I want you to work on.’ They know what the materials are and they know what to do and they just work better if they have a little bit more freedom that way, even though I’m guiding the instruction, they’re doing the day to day. Today we’re going to do this game, tomorrow we’re going to do an activity, this is seat work, that type of thing. So it just kind of depends. It’s more individual based on the para and the para’s needs and the significance of the child.”

Scheduling: Inclusive Setting

Individualized Flexibility“I assign my paras to individual students or classrooms”“In fact, we’ve had to change the schedule, we have a student with autism in 1st

grade, and [his schedule wasn’t working]. He just needs fewer adults with him…It does affect adults. Paras can start to feel like, ‘What am I doing wrong?’and it’s not them. It’s just that we do not have the right structure in place for him. So today in fact I wrote a big note for the paras saying, ‘I appreciate the job that you’re doing. Everyone’s doing a great job. It’s just sometimes it’s the nature of the beast. We’re gonna have to make adjustments and thank you for being flexible about it.’ So I think I do try to give them pats on the back and show appreciation and that king of thing.”“For some paras I will write at this time this is exactly what I want you to do and these are the activities that I want you to do. There are other paras I’ll say, ‘These are the goals and objectives that I want you to work on.” They know what the materials are and they know what to do and they just work better if they have a little bit more freedom.”

Delegating: Inclusive Setting

GE Teacher and Paraeducator input

Based on paraeducator experience

“I’ll have the para help me write the behavior plans and the general ed teacher.”

“They know what materials are and they know what to do and they just work better if they have a bit more freedom that way, even though I am still guiding the instruction.”

Promoting Paraeducator Growth and Development: Inclusive Setting

TrainingModelingShadowingObservation

“Every Thursday morning we have a para meeting” that’s about 8:15, goes for about a half hour. We generally pick some type of a topic. For the last two weeks we’ve been talking about prompting. So we’ve been doing some training on that. We’ll provide some type of written [material] that they can take with them and then we’ll do modeling, some discussions of that other para have done”

“I have been doing a lot of training. I’ll go and do the job for the para. I have the paracome and shadow me and then I model this is my expectation, this is what I want to happen, this is how I want you to intervene with behavior, that kind of thing.”

“Also, when a para is new I’ll have them go shadow another para that way they see this is what we do and how we intervene.”

Monitoring Performance: Inclusive Setting

CommunicationRelationships with GE teachersMeet weekly/twice weeklyTeam meetings

“I try to meet the paras weekly, sometimes twice a week. ‘How’s it going?’ ‘What’s going on?’ ‘What do you need?’ that type of thing so that I’m seeing what their needs are. I also talk to the general education teachers and if they’re voicing any concerns to me about something that the paras have done, or not having enough to do, then I’ll try to work on training the para that way.”

“I’m pretty hands on about it. I feel like that paras can say to me, ‘I need help on this.’ I really work at making myself available for that training.”

Feedback“I think we try to communicate along the road how they’re not meeting the expectations.”

“So today in fact I wrote a big note for the paras saying, ‘I appreciate the job that you’re doing. Everyone’s doing a great job. It’s just sometimes it’s the nature of the beast. We’re gonna have to make adjustments and thank you for being flexible about it.’ So, I think I do try to give them the pats on the back and showappreciation and that kind of thing.”

Monitoring Performance: Inclusive Setting

Data collectionDevelop tools

“I also give all the paras copies of the goals and objectives that the student has and sometimes I’ll provide a little checklist that they can keep data on. I’ll train them how to keep those records.”

“[The guided reading plan] I think it will help them see too. I don’t know that they always see growth that they know how to measure that growth, even though I have them doing data.”

Managing the Workplace: Inclusive Setting

CollaborationTeam environmentTalk with GE teachers and parasTeam teaching

“What we do for our meetings is we have an agenda and anybody can add agenda items. So we have a set agenda so no one feels like their time is wasted…We have norms that we have established that just say this is that we want to be as a department…I think that really helps. It just sets a tone for this is that we want to do and be and we’re gonna present the positive about everyone.”

“We do feel like there’s good collaboration across the whole school [working] with the paras. It’s not just me. I feel like it pretty global”

Managing the Workplace: Inclusive Setting

“I think that's probably the biggest key. I think even the collaboration between the paras helps so much because then it’s not just the case manager or the teacher or somebody else saying, ‘Why don’t we do this with Joey?’ The paras are collaborating they can share their frustrations or share success stories…I really think that part really, really helped build our department.

Similarities in the Supervision ModelsSelf Contained Setting

Providing Orientation: Clear ExpectationsProviding Orientation: GrowthProviding Orientation: Behavior expectationsPlanning for Paraeducator:Paraeducator Input into duties and responsibilitiesPlanning for Paraeducator:Duties designed based on students needs and paraeducator interests, skills, abilitiesPromoting Paraeducator Growth and Development:Training, Modeling, ShadowingDelegating: Based on paraeducator experienceManaging the Workplace:Observation, Communication, Feedback

Inclusive SettingProviding Orientation: Clear ExpectationsProviding Orientation: GrowthProviding Orientation: Behavior expectationsPlanning for Paraeducator:Paraeducator Input into duties and responsibilitiesPlanning for Paraeducator:Duties designed based on students needs and paraeducator interests, skills, abilitiesPromoting Paraeducator Growth and Development:Training, Modeling, ShadowingDelegating: Based on paraeducator experienceManaging the Workplace:Observation, Communication, Feedback

Differences in the Supervision Models

Self Contained SettingPlanning for paraeducator:Organized plans for everyone in program from teachers to paraeducators to studentsScheduling: Master ScheduleMonitoring performance:Observation conducted by supervising teacher in the classroomManaging the workplace:Strong emphasis on structureManaging the workplace:Strong emphasis on data and documenting student growth

Inclusive SettingPlanning for paraeducator: More individualized supervision from informal to formalScheduling: Individualized & flexibleMonitoring Performance:Observation conducted by general education teachers and case managers throughout the buildingManaging the workplace: Strong emphasis on collaborationManaging the workplace:Interested in developing better system for collecting data and documenting student growth

Questions?

Contact Information

Ritu V. Chopra Elena Sandoval-LuceroAssistant Research Professor Principal Investigator, Teacher Training Project Executive Director Director of Admissions and OutreachThe PAR2A Center Metropolitan State College of DenverUniversity of Colorado Denver Campus Box, 16, P.O. Box 1733621380 Lawrence St,, Suite 710 Denver, CO 80217Office: 303-315-6361 Office: 303-352-4166ritu.chopra@ucdenver,edu esando14@mscd.edu