Competency Area A: Communicating with Paraprofessionals

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Competency Area ACommunicating with
Paraprofessionals
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Communication is key to a successful and
coordinated classroom. Establishing a regular
pattern of communication will ensure that team
members have a time to discuss student needs and
goals, challenges they might be facing and ideas
they have.
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Communicating with Paraprofessionals
Competencies

• Communicate with paraprofessionals in a clear,
  receptive and responsive manner.
• Provide clear daily direction in coordinating
  plans, schedules and tasks.
• Inform and update paraprofessionals regarding
  student information, such as assessment results,
  behavioral changes, medications and other factors
  that many influence the work of the
  paraprofessional.
• Provide regular opportunities for staff
  communication, group discussion, and
  collaboration
• Assist paraprofessionals in clarifying their
  roles and responsibilities to other staff,
  parents, or volunteers.

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Teachers can play an important role in clarifying
the role and responsibilities of
paraprofessionals.Sometimes parents, related
services staff, and even administrators can be
unclear about the role of paraprofessionals.
They might have inaccurate expectations if their
understanding is not correct.
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Effective Communication

• Listen actively
• Know, respect, and understand attitudes
• Share common vocabulary and nonverbal cues
• Be clear on directions and expectations
• Be aware of special interests and talents
• Create an atmosphere of trust, cooperation,
  respect and loyalty
• Understand silence

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Communication Systems

• French (2003) states that the best communication
  systems are two-way and based on student needs,
  individualized plans, or lesson or activity plans.

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Effective Communication Some Strategies

• Set a time or strategy for communicating about
  student progress and needs
• Meeting time - face-to-face communications are
  needed but sometimes having a other tools can
  fill the day-to-day need for updates and feedback
• Communication tools - notebook, computer,
  telephone, bulletin board, cell phone - have a
  plan for emergency communication needs
• Discuss what is important to share with teacher
• Have a place for documenting information
• Ensure paraprofessionals know their schedule and
  responsibilities
• Written schedules and lesson plans help to ensure
  common understanding and expectations
• Make sure paraprofessionals understand their role
  in communicating with parents and other team
  members

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Effective Communication Some Strategies

• Other ideas --

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Characteristics of Effective TeamsAdapted from
Gerlach (2003)

• All team members understand and are committed to
  the goals of the team.
• Team members know what needs to be done, and by
  whom, to achieve goals.
• Team members know their roles in getting tasks
  done and how to use the skills and expertise of
  each member.
• Decision-making leadership and supervision
  guidelines are clearly understood by all team
  members.

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Characteristics of Effective TeamsAdapted from
Gerlach (2003)

• Team members feel their unique personalities and
  strengths are appreciated and utilized.
• Team members are able to share ideas and given
  input to discussions.
• Team members find team meeting efficient and
  productive. Teams meet on a regular basis.
• Team members know clearly when the team has been
  successful and share in the success.

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Characteristics of Effective TeamsAdapted from
Gerlach (2003)

• Staff development is available and team members
  participate.
• Feedback is provided to all team members.

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Problem-solving

• Even in the most effective teams, problems can
  arise. It is important to take the necessary
  steps to address the conflict within a respectful
  process.
• Define the problem and its cause
• What is the problem?
• What is not working?
• What factors are contributing to the situation?
• Who is involved in the situation?
• Who is affected and how?
• Identify needs and solutions

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Problem-solving, continued

• Brainstorm ideas (together)
• Select a solution that seems to address the need
  and meet the goal
• Which solution is under the teams control?
• Which one will meet the needs and achieve the
  goal?
• Which is least disruptive and easiest to
  implement?
• Develop a plan of action
• Who will do what?
• What resources are needed?
• What is the timeline?
• Implement the plan
• Evaluate the solution and the process used to get
  there
• Did we achieve the goal?
• Was the process effective?