Washington State Core Competencies for Paraeducators

Paraeducator Documentation Form

With Performance Indicators

 

__________________________________________                                                                                               ________________________________________

First Name                                                                 Last Name

____________________________________

Location

Job Title___________________________________________________________________________

Following the signature lines on the form is a list of the performance indicators for that particular competency. Verification of successful completion of classes will be provided by the instructor and sent to Human Resources.  It is your responsibility to obtain the signature verifying completion of the competency by observation or interview. Each time you have been checked off on a competency, send a copy of the document to the Human Resources office.  When you have completed all 14 competencies and obtained the additional signatures on the last page, send the original of the form to Human Resources for signature by the Executive Director.  The original will be placed in your personnel file.

Definitions:

a)       Awareness – knowing or realization; a simple recognition

b)       Knowledge – acknowledgement; familiarity; acquaintance with facts; being informed

c)       Understanding – having a clear perception of the meaning

d)       Ability – able to apply or demonstrate

The performance indicators are possible areas of focus to meet the competency.

¨   1.   Understanding the value of providing instructional and other direct services to all children and youth with disabilities.

Date Completed: ____________    ¨      Class        ¨     Interview    ¨     Observation/Demonstration
Verified by _________________________________   Position _______________________________
Notes: ____________________________________________________________________________

A.      Awareness of historical perspective of students with disabilities, including IDEA, 504, ADA; value and benefits to schools, staff, students and general community; modeling an integrated community.

B.      Knowledge of the purpose of special education (SE) programs and education for students with disabilities.

C.      Understanding of the philosophy that all students can learn and contribute.


¨    2.   Understanding the roles and responsibilities of certificated/licensed staff and paraeducators.

Date Completed: ____________    ¨   Class        ¨     Interview    ¨     Observation/Demonstration

Verified by _________________________________   Position ______________________________
Notes: ____________________________________________________________________________

A.      Knowledge of certificated/licensed staff roles and responsibilities for program development, evaluation and for instructional supervision of paraeducators, including legal requirements and district policies and procedures.

B.      Understanding of district chain of command and paraeducator role in relation to other school employees.

C.      Understanding of the value of paraeducators in educational programs.

D.      Understanding of paraeducator roles and responsibilities, including legal requirements and district policies and procedures.

E.      Understanding of shared roles and responsibilities, including teaming and collaboration.

F.      Understanding how to do self-evaluation and/or reflection as it applies to the paraeducator role.

¨    3.   Knowledge of (a) patterns of human development and milestones typically achieved at different ages, and (b) risk factors that may prohibit or impede typical development.

Date Completed: ____________    ¨      Class        ¨     Interview    ¨     Observation/Demonstration

Verified by _________________________________   Position ______________________________
Notes: ____________________________________________________________________________

A.      Awareness of learning theory and different approaches certificated staff may use.

B.      Awareness of and respect for the impact on families having children with disabilities.

C.     Knowledge of the developmental continuum birth to 21 years in the following areas: communication, self-help, physical development, and social/emotional and cognitive development.

D.      Knowledge of and respect for the influence that families have on student learning and development.

E.      Knowledge of issues and requirements surrounding transitions for students and families.

¨    4.   Ability to practice ethical and professional standards of conduct, including the requirements of confidentiality.

Date Completed: ____________    ¨      Class        ¨     Interview    ¨     Observation/Demonstration

Verified by _________________________________   Position ______________________________
Notes: ____________________________________________________________________________

A.      Ability to comply with the requirements of confidentiality for educational and medical records.

B.      Ability to comply with legal requirements regarding the reporting of abuse, discipline, and inappropriate conduct such as touching.

C.      Ability to comply with district policies and procedures regarding delegation and supervision, and issues of insubordination.


¨    5.   Ability to communicate with colleagues, follow instructions, and use problem solving and other skills that will enable the paraeducator to work as an effective member of the instructional team.

Date Completed: ____________    ¨     Class        ¨     Interview    ¨     Observation/Demonstration

Verified by _________________________________   Position ______________________________
Notes: ____________________________________________________________________________

A.      Ability to use communication methods to increase understanding.

B.      Ability to use techniques/strategies for problem solving and negotiation.

C.      Ability to recognize learning and communication styles.

D.      Ability to do self-evaluation and reflection as it pertains to working as an effective member of the instructional team.

E.      Ability to advocate for oneself.

¨    6.   Ability to provide positive behavioral support and management.

Date Completed: ____________    ¨      Class        ¨     Interview    ¨     Observation/Demonstration

Verified by _________________________________   Position ______________________________
Notes: ____________________________________________________________________________

A.      Understanding of the use of crisis intervention and restraint techniques.

B.      Understanding of how disabilities can impact behavior.

C.      Understanding of the legal requirements and district policies and procedures for discipline.

D.      Ability to promote the development of social skills.

E.      Ability to use prevention and intervention skills.

F.      Ability to use reinforcements strategies.

G.     Ability to use data collection and observation techniques.

¨    7.   Knowledge of the legal issues related to the education of children and youth with disabilities and their families.

Date Completed: ____________    ¨      Class        ¨     Interview    ¨     Observation/Demonstration

Verified by _________________________________   Position ______________________________
Notes: ____________________________________________________________________________

A.      Knowledge of the intent of IDEA, including historical perspective, impact of legal decisions, and value of legislation.

B.      Knowledge of IDEA – parts B and C, ADA and 504.

C.      Knowledge of definitions, such as LRE, IEP, 504, written plans, and the implications for paraeducators in relation to legal requirements and district policies and procedures and contract provisions.

D.      Knowledge of Washington’s special education requirements in general terms including definitions, qualifications, and service options.


¨    8.   Awareness of diversity among the children, youth, families, and colleagues with whom they work.

Date Completed: ____________    ¨      Class        ¨     Interview    ¨     Observation/Demonstration

Verified by _________________________________   Position ______________________________
Notes: ____________________________________________________________________________

A.      Awareness of how the different aspects of diversity enhance opportunities for learning.

B.      Awareness of cultural biases and personal differences that affect working with students, families and other team members.

¨    9.   Knowledge and application of the elements of effective instruction to assist teaching and learning as developed by the certified/licensed staff in a variety of settings.

Date Completed: ____________    ¨      Class        ¨     Interview    ¨     Observation/Demonstration

Verified by _________________________________   Position ______________________________
Notes: ____________________________________________________________________________

A.      Ability to use reinforcement strategies.

B.      Ability to use instructional techniques.

C.      Ability to use data collection and observation techniques.

¨   10.  Ability to utilize appropriate strategies and techniques to provide instructional support in teaching and learning as developed by the certificated/licensed staff.

Date Completed: ____________    ¨      Class        ¨     Interview    ¨     Observation/Demonstration

Verified by _________________________________   Position ______________________________
Notes: ____________________________________________________________________________

A.      Ability to apply small group instructional techniques for management and support of student learning.

B.      Ability to apply specific instructional techniques to support academic areas.

C.      Ability to apply techniques that support instruction in academic areas.

¨   11.  Ability to motivate and assist children and youth.

Date Completed: ____________    ¨   Class        ¨     Interview    ¨     Observation/Demonstration

Verified by _________________________________   Position ______________________________
Notes: ____________________________________________________________________________

A.      Ability to use appropriate interest and ability level material, and to modify materials as necessary.

B.      Ability to use appropriate reinforcement strategies.


 

                                                                                                                                                            

Competencies 1 - 11 above have been completed.

                                                                       
Employee

                                                                       
Date

                                                                       
Supervisor

                                                                       
Date

                                                                       
Building/Program Administrator

                                                                       
Date

                                                                       
Executive Director of Human Resources

                                                                       
Date

 

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