expectations Archives - Susan Fitzell

On the Same Page: Part Three

Susan Fitzell, M.Ed., CSP — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:18:17 +0000

In parts one and two of this article, we’ve discussed some things that paraprofessionals and teachers might consider when discussing lesson planning and instruction. This week , we offer some thoughts to consider when addressing Student Behavior:

What are the behavioral expectations and rules for students in the classroom?
What methods are used to gain student understanding of classroom expectations and rules?
How will students perceive those expectations and rules in regards to the paraprofessional’s authority? Who clarifies the paraprofessional’s level of authority?
How should the paraprofessional deal with misbehavior, disruptions, or problems that occur in the classroom?
Who will provide the paraprofessional with positive behavior management training when necessary?

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For Big Results, Keep Expectations High

Susan Fitzell, M.Ed., CSP — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:19:54 +0000

When dealing with a student with special needs, it is easy to fall into the trap of doing too much for them. While it is important for the paraprofessional to be there to support a special needs student, too much support, or support that is not actually needed, can create learned helplessness and be detrimental to a student’s growth, both academically and socially.

Therefore, it is important for paraprofessionals to work to keep their expectations for their students high by:

Allowing and encouraging students to do anything and everything they can and should do for themselves.
Remembering that no matter what the cognitive age of the child is, it is important to treat him or her socially in accordance with his or her chronological age.
Expecting and encouraging age-appropriate social behavior.
Asking yourself, “How would I feel if I had an adult right next to me all day long?”, and having the courage to give students personal space to interact with the classroom teacher, other students, and to work independently.

Excerpted from Special Needs in the General Classroom by Susan Gingras Fitzell.

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What can paraprofessionals do to support teachers and students in the classroom?

Susan Fitzell, M.Ed., CSP — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 23:01:22 +0000

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Paraprofessional Seminars, Workshops, and Conference Sessions – Take Learning Up a Level

How can paraprofessionals increase the effectiveness of working together with classroom teachers?

Paraprofessionals assigned to support students with disabilities in the general education classroom have one of the most important jobs in schools today. Discover the ways that paraprofessionals can successfully collaborate when working with teachers in the classroom with my book, Paraprofessionals and Teachers Working Together.

The ways a paraprofessional might assist in the classroom are as individual as the students they are responsible for, the classrooms they work in, and the grade levels in which they teach. My book, Paraprofessionals And Teachers Working Together contains checklists filled with options for the general education teacher, the special education teacher, and the paraprofessional to consider when defining paraprofessional roles in the classroom. Use these checklists as a tool to negotiate the working relationship in the classroom before the paraprofessional starts “on the job”.

For a more energizing environment, join me and hundreds of other teachers and paraprofessionals in an interactive workshop, Paraprofessionals And Teachers Working Together in the General Classroom. Gain practical strategies, tools, forms, and tips for defining paraprofessional roles and improving classroom environment.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

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