Paraprofessionals play an essential role in high school special education classrooms. They are there to help support the teacher and students but may need to gain the experience to know exactly what to do or how to do it.
In those instances, it is important to provide the para with direction to ensure they know what is expected of them. Here are 13 things paraprofessionals could do to ensure their students succeed in the special education classroom. Remember that the role paras play in the school may be different than some of the suggestions below. The responsibilities bestowed on paras can differ from school district to school district.
Things High School Paras Can Do
1. Model good behavior for students by being punctual, organized, and prepared for all lessons.
Example: The paraprofessional could arrive to class 5 minutes early each day to give themselves enough time to settle in and organize any materials they may need for the lesson.
2. Encourage social interactions between students and support the student’s development of appropriate social skills.
Example: The paraprofessional could create or run group activities where students have to work together and communicate with one another. These activities can help foster positive social interactions between the students and encourage them to develop their social skills.
3. Help students stay focused and on task by providing positive reinforcement and constructive feedback.
Example: Positive reinforcement could include verbal praise when a student completes an assignment or reaches an important goal. Constructive feedback could provide specific direction on how to improve a task and explain why it would be beneficial for the student to do so.
4. Become familiar with the Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for each student to help provide them with the tailored support they need for success in the classroom.
Example: The paraprofessional could review the IEPs for each student and ask the special education teacher about any questions they may have.
Check out this short snippet from one of the trainings inside of TII membership about paras and IEPs:
If you are looking for more specifics on IEP’s like writing IEP goals and behavior plans – you’re in the right place!
You can join The Intentional IEP to gain access to over 150+ different IEP related trainings, and access to our IEP Goal Bank. Click the image above to join!
5. Assist teachers with implementing instructional strategies that accommodate each student’s unique learning needs.
Example: The paraprofessional could help the teacher adjust instruction based on student needs by providing one-on-one assistance or breaking down tasks into more manageable pieces. They can also provide students with instructional materials tailored to their learning styles and abilities.
6. Establish a safe and supportive environment that allows students to express themselves without fear of judgment.
Example: The paraprofessional could help create an environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and voicing their opinions without fear of being judged or ridiculed. They can also encourage positive interactions between students and support them by recognizing their successes, no matter how small. This will help foster a safe and supportive classroom environment where all students can express themselves.
7. Monitor student progress, provide feedback to teachers, and help identify potential areas of improvement.
Example: The paraprofessional could track student progress on assignments to identify areas where they may need additional support. They can then provide feedback to the teachers about the student’s performance and suggest strategies for improvement.
Download this FREE Paraprofessional IEP Questionnaire here or by clicking the image above.
8. Assist students with understanding classroom material and developing effective study habits.
Example: The paraprofessional could help students understand classroom material by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. They can also guide how to develop effective study habits and strategies for taking notes, studying for tests and exams, and organizing materials. This will help ensure that all students have the tools they need to succeed.
9. Support the use of modified tests and other accommodations as needed.
Example: The paraprofessional could assist in preparing modified tests and other assessments for students who require accommodations. They can also review IEPs to ensure that necessary testing modifications are being implemented correctly. This will help ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the material.
10. Encourage self-advocacy in students by helping them understand their rights and responsibilities.
Example: The paraprofessional could help students understand their rights and responsibilities by providing information about laws that protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. They can also provide resources to help students better understand their individualized education plans (IEPs) and how to advocate for themselves in different settings.
11. Implement behavior management strategies to help address disruptive behaviors.
Example: The paraprofessional could implement behavior management strategies such as positive reinforcement and redirection techniques to address disruptive behaviors that are in students’ BIPs. They can also provide students with feedback about their behavior and help them develop skills for more appropriate social interactions. This will help ensure that students have the opportunity to learn without sacrificing educational opportunities due to inappropriate behaviors.
12. Help with activities of daily living, such as personal hygiene and meal times, to promote independence in students.
Example: The paraprofessional could help students with activities of daily living such as toileting and eating. They can also provide support in other areas, such as dressing appropriately for the weather or helping clean up after lunch period. This will help foster independence in students and give them the skills they need to perform these tasks on their own.
13. Provide additional support for students during large group instruction or when transitioning between classes or activities.
Example: The paraprofessional could provide additional support for students during large group instruction by helping them stay on task and understand the material being taught. They can also offer assistance when transitioning between classes or activities by assisting with any necessary equipment or supplies and providing guidance and emotional support.
By following what is expected of them, paraprofessionals can ensure they are providing students in the special education classroom with the best possible support. Paraprofessionals play an essential role in helping students succeed and reach their highest potential. With proper guidance and support, students can succeed inside and outside the classroom. Paras can help.
