The Educational Assistant

Classroom Partner

Revised July 2010

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Four Pillars for the Educational Assistant Role in the Classroom

1.1. Support for the StudentSupport for the StudentSupport for all pupils with whom the EA comes into contact

2.2. Support for the TeacherSupport for the TeacherEA performs a number of routine tasks

3.3. Support for the CurriculumSupport for the Curriculum EA is engaged in important aspects student performance

4.4. Support for the SchoolSupport for the SchoolEA is not just part of the staff; they are part of a team

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Levels of CollaborationCollaboration might take place at any or all phases of the teaching-learning process and in varying forms of formality. A continuum could be applied to help categorize depth of collaboration.

Collaboration does not always neatly fall into these categories.

“The propensity for teachers’ collaborative work to defy

categorization is testimony to the complexity and

fluidity of life in schools.” (Cousins, 1994)

Joint-Implementation:Team-teaching with shared

responsibility for delivering instruction and assessing a group of students.

Formal Planning: Set objectives, design instruction,

offer mutual help and advice, routinely share materials and methods

Teacher Independence: Informally share observations,

ideas, and materials

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Good Practice

The Educational The Educational Assistant:Assistant:Helps with the inclusion of all studentsHas awareness of and assists with planning for class curriculum expectationsAssists the teacher with follow-up for students through reinforcement and practise of the learningAssists with student development of social skills Assists by facilitating behaviour policies Spots early signs of bullying and disruptive behaviour Assists students to remain on task

Foster the participation of students in the social and academic processes of a school

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The Educational The Educational Assistant:Assistant:Helps raise the self-esteem of children Assists individual students in educational tasks Frees the teacher to work with groups and individuals Assists students with physical needs/medical needs Displays a friendly, healthy relationship with the teacher, each valuing the other’s role Models respect and kindnessIs intuitive to opportunities to allow student growth toward independence

Good PracticeEnable students to become more independent learners

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Good Practice

The Educational Assistant:The Educational Assistant:Is involved with the whole classMakes more ambitious learning activities possible Reinforces and practises concepts/skills introduced by the teacher Provides feedback to the teacher Prepares classroom materialsHelps with gathering lesson/unit plan resources Assists by being vigilant and intuitive to student and teacher needsEnsures open, professional communication with the teacher Shares information with the teacherShares personal care and safety information with the parent where applicable

Helps to raise standards of achievement of all students

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Good Practice

The Classroom The Classroom Teacher:Teacher:

Differentiates the roles of teacher and Educational Assistant Models and nurtures a mutually respectful relationship with EA(s)Ensures EA participation in planning Creates a climate that encourages high-quality EA inputDevelops feedback mechanisms Shares behaviour management structuresEnsures EA(s) is informed of the learning and behavioural needs of studentsIncludes EAs in IEP reviews Is the communicator with the home regarding student program

Create and maintain the Classroom Team

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Roles and Responsibilities InstructionInstruction

Teacher Role Plan all instruction, including small group activities and guide the work of the EAProvide instruction in whole-class, group and to individual students in the class

Educational Assistant Role

Work with small groups of students on specific tasks including review, reinforcement and practise of concepts and skills already taught by the teacherWork with one student at a time to provide intensive instruction or remediation Free the teacher to work with individuals and small groupsEnsure personal care and safety of students

Areas of Communication

Teachers provide specific content and guidance about curriculum, students, and instructional materials EAs note student progress and give feedback to teachers

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Roles and Responsibilities Curriculum and Lesson Plan Curriculum and Lesson Plan DevelopmentDevelopment

Teacher Role Develop and introduce all lesson plans and instructional materials.Ensure alignment with standards, student needs, and IEPs

Educational Assistant Role

Provide assistance in development of classroom activities, gathering and retrieval of materials, and coordination of activities

Areas of Communication

Mutual review of lesson plan components prior to classTeachers provide guidance about specific instructional methods

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Roles and Responsibilities Classroom ManagementClassroom Management

Teacher Role Develop and guide class-wide management plans for behaviour and classroom structuresDevelop and monitor individual Behaviour Management plans

Educational Assistant Role

Assist with the implementation of class-wide and individual Behaviour Management plansMonitor hallways, playground, & other activities outside normal class with attention for student(s) with special needs

Areas of Communication

Teachers provide guidance about specific behaviour management strategies & student characteristicsEducational Assistants note student progress & activities and give feedback to teachers

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Roles and Responsibilities Accommodations and ModificationsAccommodations and Modifications

Teacher Role Determine IEP program for applicable students Incorporate accommodations and differentiated instruction into all lesson plans Develop materials to suit student learning needs

Educational Assistant Role

Guided by teacher and IEP, provide appropriate accommodations to material (enlarged print, taking notes, reading material aloud, …)

Areas of Communication

Teachers guide EAs in the use of specific adaptations (from the IEP)Educational Assistants provide feedback about student progress and success of adaptations

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Roles and Responsibilities AssessmentAssessment

Teacher Role Determine, create, and administer appropriate assessmentsDetermine modifications and accommodations Use assessment results to inform future planning and curriculum development

Educational Assistant Role

Assist in the administration of assessmentsImplement accommodationsCollect anecdotal student information

Areas of Communication

Teacher gives guidance about the content and implementation of all assessmentsEA gives feedback about student progress based upon learning expectationsMutual conversations about anecdotal information

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Goal: Healthy Adult Working Relationships

HOW:HOW:Building your own relationships within Classroom Teams Assisting with the setting of personal goals for each adult to move toward implementation of the VisionVision

HOW:HOW:One way the LDCSB has to assist assist principals with principals with continuous continuous improvement and improvement and effectivenesseffectiveness of the classroom team is the use of the Teacher/Educational Teacher/Educational Assistant Work Assistant Work Relationship-Relationship-Workshop In A BagWorkshop In A Bag

TTogether EEveryoneAAchieves MMore

TeamTeam

Henry Ford