Paraprofessional Job Training + Test Preparation Program
Career Field/Area: Education
Adult Career Pathway: Paraprofessional
NRS Levels Addressed:
- High Intermediate ESL
- High Intermediate Basic Education
- Advanced ESL
- High Adult Secondary Education
Part of an approved IET program? No
Credentials the Course Prepares Students for:
- Paraeducator or ParaPro Assessment
Also Prepares Students for: The job training portion of the course prepares students for the important work that classroom paraprofessionals do by covering a range of topics, including: paraprofessional roles and responsibilities, basic overview of special education, child development theories and principles, and behavior management. The test preparation portion of the course prepares students to take their Paraeducator Online Assessment and earn their Highly Qualified Certificate.
Target Student Population: Minimum CASAS Goals Reading score of 228+, and Math score of 210+ or TABE reading and math equivalents.
Access Curriculum: View Materials
Additional Access Instructions/Links: The link above is a Google Drive folder filled with materials and organized by unit. Below are two additional links to our Google Classrooms:
*Please note the Test Prep Class is independent study with optional teacher support. This Google Classroom is filled with resources to support students as they navigate their test preparation with or without teacher support. Students who test prep are encouraged to either join our monthly Onboarding session, or to participate in the Job Training Class, and access their accounts that way.
Course Description: This course introduces and prepares students for a position as a paraprofessional/education assistant in a classroom setting. Topics covered include: paraprofessional roles and responsibilities, special education, child development, positive behavior support, professionalism, and communication. Students who need the Highly Qualified Certificate can also choose the independent, self-paced study option with 1:1 teacher support to build the reading, writing, and math knowledge/skills required on the Paraeducator Online Assessment. This course is intended to be taught on Zoom.
Duration: 15 weeks, 2 synchronous classes/week = 60 synchronous instructional hours (+ 4 hours per week of 1:1 support)
Curriculum Materials/Description: The main Google Drive folder for job training class includes folders with materials for all main units: roles and responsibilities, special education, child development, and positive behavior supports. An admin folder with syllabus, example schedule, and flyer is included as well.
The main Google Drive folder for test prep includes all practice tests, course takeaways and proctor supports.
The Google Classroom link is included there, as well as in this ATLAS submission. Always feel free to see the instructor with any questions!
Delivery Method(s):
- Online synchronous (live instruction)
- Online asynchronous (not live)
- Hybrid (a combination of online and in-person instruction)
Curriculum Pluses: Aligned to ACES TIF (Transitions Integration Framework), Aligned to CCRS (College & Career Readiness Standards), Aligned to Northstar Digital Literacy Standards, Complete instructional materials/lesson plans included, Teacher guide/answer keys included, Organization of materials is easy to follow, No approval required to access materials. We are in the process of writing the application to make this course an IET. Stay tuned!
Please also note that the Master Teacher requires payment, but the other materials are all free and available in the Drive folders.
Curriculum Drawbacks: Not easily modified for different contexts or levels, Paid subscription/account required.
Additional Curriculum Notes: None
Author: Amanda Tall, Mounds View Adult Education and Metro East Career Pathways
Year Created: 2024
Year Updated: N/A
Contact:
Amanda Tall
Mounds View Adult Education
[email protected]
(651) 621-6250