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Welcome USD 475 Geary County Schools Paraeducators 2012-13 School Year Katina Brenn Director of the Exceptional Student Services Division

Welcome USD 475 Geary County Schools Paraeducators 2012-13 School Year Katina Brenn Director of the Exceptional Student Services Division

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  • Slide 1
  • Slide 2
  • Welcome USD 475 Geary County Schools Paraeducators 2012-13 School Year Katina Brenn Director of the Exceptional Student Services Division
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  • Presenters ESS Leadership Team Katina Brenn- Director of Exceptional Student Services Kathy Beougher- Asst. Director of Exceptional Student Services Karen Truitt- ESS Coordinator- Fort Riley Middle School Sandy Gray- Transition Coordinator Jennifer Blair- ECSE Coordinator Ursula Popovich- ESS Coordinator- Junction City Middle School Patricia Dozier- ESS Coordinator- Junction City High School
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  • PARA HANDBOOK Geary County Unified School District #475 123 N Eisenhower PO Box 370 Junction City, Kansas 66441 #785-717-4093
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  • Para Handbook Section 1: Para Work Days/Staff Development Requirements Professional Development Record Form (April 19, 2013) Paraprofessional Work Days Memo Professional Development Hours Pyramid ESEA Assessment Requirements Provenance Learning Solutions Compliance Assessments Important Assessment Information Obtaining Professional Development Hours Infinitec-http://www.myinfinitec.org CPI Tidbits /CPI Dates
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  • DUE April 19, 2013 Due no later than April 19th
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  • PARAPROFESSIONAL WORK DAY To:Building Principals, Special Education Coordinators, Special Education Teachers, Paras and Payroll Dept. From:Katina Brenn, Director of the Exceptional Student Services Division Re:Paraprofessional Work Days Date:August 1, 2012 Paras first full day of work will be August 12. They should follow the schedule for the day which includes attending the District Opening Session at the high school in the AM. Principals should notify the minimum number of paras that are needed based on enrollment. If Principals have any paras not needed because of enrollment, please contact me. Paras who have worked for USD 475 as a para for 3 yrs. or less are required to have 20 hours of inservice (or 2 hours for every month of employment). Paras who have worked for USD 475 as a para for 4 consecutive years or more are required to have 10 hours of staff development (or 1 hour for every month of employment). This is regardless of the number of hours per day that they work). District salary reimbursement is dependant on their ability to complete the required amount of professional development hours required. Two of the hours each year must be Orientation which is: August 12 - 1:30-3:30- Para Orientation. For paras working on Ft. Riley, orientation will be at Ft. Riley Middle School. For paras working in Junction City, Milford and Grandview, orientation will be at the new Junction City Middle School Commons Area. (Paras who cant attend or are hired later must watch the video of this orientation or attend a later district level para orientation. Copies will be given to each building.)
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  • Kansas Department of Education is asking that Paraprofessionals participate in staff development with their supervising teachers. Staff development days should be building days if possible, determined by their building level administrator. The para handbook offers paras multiple opportunities for obtaining staff development hours to include but are not limited to 1 college credit = 20 hours, Provenances module = 1 hour, Infinitec modules = the amount of time of the module, and a book review evaluation process. Please consult the para handbook for additional options. Once paras attain their 10 or 20 hours of staff development, they will not be paid to work any further staff dev. days unless principals request paras to work for specific reasons. Requests should be made to the Special Education office. ELEMENTARY PARAS: Can work the K-5 Plan days PARAS DO NOT WORK: Flexible Professional Development days or Parent/Teacher Conf. Days
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  • Obtaining Professional Development Hours LEA Determined In-service Requirement Hold a current Kansas teaching license Related Service license eligible for Categorical Aid OTA, PTA, and LPN 10 Hours In-service Requirement Special education para for USD 475 for more than 3 years years must be consecutive and recent (as archived in the Personnel Database) 20 Hours- In-service Required 3 consecutive years or less & recent years experience as a special education para in Kansas Note: Taking the ESEA test does not accrue professional Development hours
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  • To:Special Education Paraprofessionals and Administrators From:Katina Brenn, Director of Exceptional Student Services Division Re:The Elementary and Secondary Education Act Requirements Date:August 1, 2012 The Elementary and Secondary Education Act - includes requirements for teaching aides which includes special education paraprofessionals who assist with instruction in reading, math and writing. This law applies to Title I buildings. Our district is choosing to apply this law district wide (EC-12). Paraprofessionals must: 1) Obtain college hours equivalent to an Associates degree (48 hours) OR 2) Obtain an Associates or higher degree. The alternative to taking college hours is: Paraprofessionals must pass an assessment in reading, writing and math. The exam through that website- www.provenancesolutions.com/provenance/ksjunctioncitywww.provenancesolutions.com/provenance/ksjunctioncity To get set up to complete study modules and/or schedule the assessment contact Nicole Nutter at 717-4093 USD #475 has purchased the Master Teacher site which is accessible from any computer and will assist you in: preparing for the academic assessment (which is mentioned above) AND creating a transcript of courses which can be used for in-service hours Information about accessing this network is on the attached page. Completion of one course will equate to one hour of staff development if you choose to do this. You will be asked to print a transcript of the modules you have completed by April 19, 2013.
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  • ProVenance Learning Solutions Compliance Assessments A BOUT THE W EBSITE ProVenance Learning Solutions is an Internet based professional development website. The site provides relevant information to help you learn the various facets of the supportive role you perform in the classroom and our school. This website also maintains a personalized transcript to help you and your supervisor track the courses you have successfully completed. I NSTRUCTIONS : Please contact Nicole Nutter at (785) 717- 4093 to be able to access the ProVenance site. This site is only used for paraprofessionals needed to take the ESEA during their first 90 days of employment.
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  • Important Assessment Information This test consists of two assessments: Assessment 1: Reading, Writing & Math - Instructional Support This assessment evaluates the ability to support reading, writing, and mathematics instruction. There are three concept areas with 30 total questions. The recommended courses are 118, 119, and 120. Assessment 2: Reading, Writing & Math - Knowledge and Application This assessment evaluates the knowledge and skills to solve problems in reading, writing, and math. The recommended courses are 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138 and 139.
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  • You will need to schedule a time to administer the test so your ESS supervisor or administrative designee can be present in the room at all times while the para completes the test. Keep in mind that the Assessment 1 will require up to one hour and Assessment 2 will require up to 3 hours. Most paraeducators will be able to complete both tests consecutively in 3 hours. Call Nicole Nutter at 717-4093 to assign the test for the individual. As each para completes the assessment you can call Nicole at 717-4093 and she can give you the results of the test instantly. They need 65% to pass the instruction and support assessment and 70% to pass the knowledge and application assessment. Nicole will then send a copy of the assessment results for the para and supervisor that observed the test to sign and date the sheet. Return these to Nicole at DC and she will get copies to Katina Brenn and Human Resource department.
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  • SUGGESTED RULES AND RELEVANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Accommodations for person with disabilities, visual difficulties, physical handicaps, etc. should be arranged for paraeducators, provided the accommodations do not include assistance in answering the questions or a change in the assessment. Breaks should be permitted for emergencies only. If a break is necessary, the para must show the supervisor the portion of the test completed and log off. The para will then resume the assessment up on return. Access to ProVenance Learning Solutions coursework is blocked during the assessment. Only the internet window with the assessment should be open. The supervisor should monitor each screen to make certain the para follows this rule. The supervisor will answer only questions about assessing and using the assessment program. There should be no talking among the paras during the assessment. Calculators/cell phones/notes are not permitted. Scratch paper should be provided.
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  • Obtaining Staff Development Hours College Hours One or more credit hours = 20 hours of in-service Read a book 150 pages = 3 hours (Book must be education based and approved by your supervisor) Watch a video In-service time = time of video My http://www.myinfinitec.org -Infinitec Website on line moduleshttp://www.myinfinitec.org You must have permission from your administrator to work more than the required Staff Development hours. Please check with your Administrator if you are unsure your should work.
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  • Para Handbook Section 2: Roles and Responsibilities Information from KSDE Concerning Paraprofessionals Kansas Regulations Paraprofessional Competencies Appreciating Diversity Confidentiality Importance of teamwork A Law to Protect the Privacy of Student records Ethical Guidelines for Paraprofessionals Teacher and Para Roles in Managing Behavior The ABCs of Behavior Principals of Motivation/Reinforcements How to manage behavior when it occurs Ethical Considerations in Behavior Management Supporting Teachers Instruction Assessing Student Performance Supporting Instruction in Content Area Classes Accommodations and Modifications Characteristics of Effective Paraprofessionals
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  • Kansas Regulations Regarding Paraprofessionals The following statements are from the Kansas Special Education Regulations. They say that at paraprofessional Cannot be solely responsible for special education instruction or related services. Cannot select or give formal, standardized tests or interpret any results Cannot select, program, or prescribe educational activities or materials without supervision* and guidance of a teacher. Teachers do all initial planning and introduction of new material. Cannot be solely responsible for preparing lesson plans or initiating original instruction. Must have direct supervision* & involvement from a professional to implement a students IEP.
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  • Cannot be employed in place of a certified special education professional. Cannot be a substitute teacher unless the paraprofessional has the appropriate certification. Cannot be enrolled as an elementary or secondary student. Cannot perform nursing procedures or give medications without appropriate supervision* from an approved health care professional. *Supervision- The professional the paraprofessional is assigned to must meet Kansass certification requirements. When the assigned teacher is not present, a designated principal or teacher may supervise the paraprofessional. Supervision time for instructional paraprofessionals shall be determined by the supervising teacher and paraprofessional and based on the students needs.
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  • CPI Tidbits The CPI Supportive Stance: Standing outside the personal space bubble Turned at a 90 angle Stay a leg length away from the person you are working with. Keys to setting limits Be clear and Concise Give 2 choices and 2 consequences Be reasonable and fair Make sure your consequences are enforceable Rational Detachment: The ability to stay in control of ones own behavior and not take the acting out behavior personally
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  • Do not place your hands on a student unless they are going to harm themselves or others.
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  • 2012-13 CPI Classes: To determine availability or register for classes by contacting Nicole Nutter at (785)717-4093. Class size is limited. DODont Remain CalmOver react Be aware of the environmentIssue Ultimatums Isolate the situationFreeze Enforce LimitsBe threatening Respect personal SpaceEnter into a power struggle ListenInvolve an audience Be supportiveTake it personally
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  • Emergency Safety Interventions (ESI) A school employee should use physical restraint on a child with a disability only if the child's behavior presents an imminent risk of harm or the child is involved in an altercation. Except to intercede in an altercation, each school employee applying physical restraint should use a method of physical restraint in which the employee has received training and should apply the physical restraint in a manner that is proportionate to the circumstances and to the child's size and age and the severity of the child's behavior. "Physical restraint" means bodily force used to substantially limit a person's movement, except that consensual, solicited, or unintentional contact and contact to provide comfort, assistance, or instruction shall not be deemed to be physical restraint. "Imminent risk of harm" means an immediate and impending threat of a person causing substantial physical injury to self or others. Violent action that is destructive of property may involve a substantial risk of injury to a person.
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  • Maintaining Safe and Supportive Instructional Environments Follow and use prescribed district or agency policies and procedures to ensure the safety, health, and general well being of learners and school personnel, including school emergency procedures. Implement strategies and procedures developed by teachers to maintain safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments. Establish and maintain rapport with all learners. Model and encourage interactions among children, youth, and adults that respect and value individual differences. Implement strategies that promote the learner's independence across all relevant educational settings. Provide opportunities for individuals to make choices across settings and activities. Based on program and learner needs, assist teachers and related service professional in carrying out feeding and other health related procedures required by learners who have special health care needs, and maintain appropriate records of these activities.
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  • Managing Behaviors and Enhancing Social Interactions of Student Use age-appropriate language, tone of voice, and reinforcement procedures. Implement teacher-developed behavior plans and techniques that adhere to the laws, regulations, and procedural safeguards concerning the management of student behaviors. Demonstrate effective strategies for the management of student behaviors. Implement teacher-developed strategies and techniques that enhance social skill development in children and youth. Assist teachers and other professionals in modifying the learning environment to manage behavior. Facilitate the development of peer interactions and friendships for students with disabilities in classroom, school, and community settings. Monitor and assist children and youth in non-academic learning environments (i.e., lunchrooms, study halls, playgrounds, and buses).
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  • The ABCs of Behavior Reasons for Misbehavior Students dont know teacher expectations. Students are unaware of when/how often theyre behaving inappropriately. They dont know what appropriate behavior is. Student may need attention. Students may feel powerless, so they create their own power
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  • The ABCs of Behavior A = AntecedentWhat preceded or triggered the behavior? (Develop an understanding of why the behavior occurs.) B = BehaviorWhat happened? C = ConsequencesWhat does the student get out of the behavior? Examples: A = Student leans back in chair. B = Student falls over backward. C = Peers laugh and student gains attention, or student is injured. A = Student is having difficulty reading fluently. B = Student refuses to read and gets angry and throws book. C = Staff assist and encourage student, provide alternative reading strategies, or student is sent to the office for discipline.
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  • How To Manage Behavior When It Occurs Ignore behaviors Criteria for ignoring behaviors: Ask yourself Can you teach? Can the student learn? Can his/her classmates learn? Is the behavior not likely to escalate? Use nonverbal communication Proximity (standing near a student) Eye contact Gestures (i.e., fingers to lips, nods Move your attention away from student Use verbal communication Tell the entire class/group what you expect. Give private, quiet redirective to student talk to the student privately or create an illusion of privacy quietly tell student what you expect say, thank you If necessary, give a choice involving a consequence-Consequences must be discussed and sanctioned by the supervising teacher ahead of time.
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  • Ethical Considerations in Behavior Management Behavior management should be viewed as an opportunity for teaching and not an opportunity for punishment. Avoid embarrassing students and offer suggestions in private in the form of constructive criticism. Never engage in a power struggle. Strive for win/win. Dont touch students who are upset, and dont hesitate to get help from another teacher if you need it. Do not place your hands on a student unless they are going to harm themselves or others. Keep your supervising teacher informed.
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  • Confidentiality is extremely important when working with students Keep student information private. Dont speak about students to friends, family, or to or in front of other students. Dont speak about students to other teachers except on a need-to- know basis. If anyone in the school or community asks you for specific information about a students disability, refer them to the supervising teacher. Dont point our or label children in public. Be careful not to distort, exaggerate or confuse information. Never use student information as gossip or a joke. Focus comments on student strengths and be positive.
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  • A Law To Protect the Privacy of Student Records The Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) (FERPA): Protects the privacy of parents & students Requires that every school district have a written policy, explaining standards for keeping educational records confidential A school district receiving federal funds may lose those funds if it discloses personally identifiable information in a students education records without the proper consent Those who may access records without explicit written consent of parents: Teachers or other personnel responsible for the design, preparation, and delivery of education and related services Personnel who are responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of a student Paraprofessionals may access educational records through the classroom teacher and administration, as the local school district permit.
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  • Paraprofessional Competencies: General Knowledge and Values Awareness of the legal rights of children and youth with exceptional learning needs and their parents in educational settings. Understanding of individual learning styles and environmental factors that impact teaching and learning processes. Understanding of the differences among the roles and responsibilities of professionals, paraprofessionals, and other support personnel. Basic knowledge of special education processes, procedures, and regulations. Awareness of and respect for social, cultural, linguistic, religious, economic, and ability differences in students and their families. Understanding of the similarities and differences among the cognitive, communicative, physical, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of children and youth with and without exceptional needs.
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  • Communicating and Collaborating with Teachers and Other Professionals Follow teacher instructions and implement team decisions. Interact effectively with and demonstrate respect for the views, rights, and contributions of parents, teachers, and other school personnel. Contribute relevant, objective information to teachers and other school professionals to facilitate planning, problem solving, and decision-making processes across all relevant settings. Participate as a member of an instructional team to plan and organize learning experiences for students. Participate in team meetings to assist in the development of Individual Education (IEPs) for students.
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  • Participating in Professional and Ethical Practices Maintain confidentiality of individual students and their families. Perform assigned responsibilities under the supervision of teachers in a manner consistent with professional and ethical guidelines established by the district, agency, state, or professional organization. Assist teachers and other professionals in protecting the civil, legal, and human rights of children, youth, and their parents. Perform tasks that are within an appropriate range of responsibilities for paraprofessionals. Do Not communicate with parents about programming or issues that may occur. Be sure to direct them your supervisor or administrator. Participate in on-going staff development and self-evaluation activities, and apply constructive feedback to practices within the educational setting. Participate with administrators, consultants, and/or other professionals in designing and implementing comprehensive professional development activities for paraprofessionals.
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  • Appreciating Diversity Todays public schools are made up of a diverse group of people. Students and staff are different from each other in many ways: age, gender, ethnicity, economic background, religion, lifestyle, values, etc. School personnel are expected to have an attitude of acceptance and appreciation of diversity. Staff who take an active interest in understanding the ways their students are different will be better able to understand those students behavior and, thus, interact with them in ways that will help them learn. Having a positive attitude toward diversity means not ignoring differences and not holding negative attitudes about differences. Negative attitudes can be expressed in many ways, two of which are stereotyping and labeling. Stereotyping is assuming that all people within a group are the same in some way. Another way prejudices are perpetuated is through labeling, which means referring to an individual by some characteristic, instead of referring to the person first, then to the disability (i.e., Person First Language for example, person with a disability
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  • Importance of Teamwork Paraprofessional knowledge & skills + Supportive working environment = satisfied, effective paraprofessional & improved student learning Paraprofessionals teamwork responsibilities Take an active role in your success Show a positive, cooperative attitude about assigned tasks Seek out training and supervision in conducting new tasks Participate in frequent meetings with the supervising teacher Seek information about students and instruction Provide the teacher with information about students
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  • Ethical Guidelines for Paraprofessionals Ethics showing a high regard for the right of others Important Ethical Principles for the Paraprofessional Role: Maintain a respectful demeanor Behave professionally by remaining calm, using appropriate language, not acting sarcastic, etc. Do this even if the other person (parent, student, teacher) is not! Maintain confidentiality -Keep student information private! Dont speak about it to other professionals (except on a need-to-know basis), to your friends or family, or to (or in front of) students. This principle is easy to violate be careful! Contribute to positive school-community relations Convey to community members a positive attitude about your school by focusing on its strengths and positive characteristics. Show a good work ethic, that will reflect positively on you and your school.
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  • Assessing Student Performance Assessing student performance means gathering information about a student and making a determination about him or her. The main types of assessment that paras may be involved in. Standardized Tests Standardized tests are always given in the same way, using the same instructions, and materials, and the same scoring methods. Formal standardized tests, are done by someone who is highly trained and experienced with the test. For less formal testing situations, for example teacher-developed standardized tests they give repeatedly, paraprofessionals can be primarily responsible for the activity. Behavioral Checklists Behavioral checklists categorize and list specific behaviors. The person completing the checklist simply checks off whether or not the student is able to perform that specific behavior. Direct Observation Another way to gather information about students is to observe them and record information about your observations in a systematic fashion. The written information that reflects what you observed is called data, and it can be used to assist with instructional decisions about the student.
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  • Supporting Teachers Instruction There are probably many times when the teacher will need to be the primary person providing the direct instruction to students. During these times, there is much that the paraprofessional can do to assist or facilitate the teachers instruction. Paraprofessionals can support teachers instruction by: Reviewing the lesson plan Preparing materials Modeling appropriate behavior. Model the behaviors that will help make it easier for the student to learn: a) Stand at the side of the class, facing the teacher b) Show attentiveness to the teacher and the lesson c) Assist the teacher by modeling appropriate responses, if asked. Assist with behavior management
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  • Supporting Instruction in Content-Area Classes Paraprofessionals can help carry out and support interventions the teacher designs. Examples include: highlighting textbooks being or training a class note taker maintaining a class notebook with assignments, handouts, materials, etc. preparing adapted materials for students prompting students to make correct responses training a peer partner to assist the student providing follow-up instruction
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  • During follow-up instruction, the paraprofessionals can: Provide additional instruction Follow the basic format of effective instruction: 1) I Do It. 2) We Do It. 3) You Do It. During small group instruction, the paraprofessionals can: Use effective instruction. Gain students attention Review necessary pre-skills State goal of the lesson I Do It. We Do It. You Do It. Review the critical lesson content State the content of the next less
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  • Accommodations and Modifications Accommodations do not alter the curriculum. They are supports or services provided to help a student access the curriculum and validly demonstrate learning. What are accommodations? An accommodation is an adaptation that results in the student with a disability accomplishing the same goals and objectives as the non-disabled students, and does not fundamentally alter the general education program. An accommodation changes the conditions by which a student with a disability accomplishes the same task as the non-disabled student. Accommodations are used to minimize the impact of a disability and circumvent deficiencies in specific academic areas.
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  • Modifications alter the curriculum. Modifications change the content and performance expectations for what a student should learn. What are modifications? A modification is an adaptation that results in the student with a disability accomplishing different goals and objectives as non-disabled students and fundamentally alters the general education program. A modification alters the task in a way that the student is able to accomplish a different, perhaps related task assigned to the non-disabled peers. Modifications are used to remediate deficiencies in specific academic areas by bringing the goals and objectives of the curriculum in closer alignment with a students present levels of educational performance.
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  • Paras role with modifications and accommodations: Participate in on-going communication with teacher before making any changes in students instruction Clarify modifications with teacher before class, not in front of students or peers Communicate modifications or accommodations to the student in private Establish on-going modifications or accommodations with the teacher. Paraprofessionals should check with the supervising teacher to discuss ideas before making any changes in students instruction.
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  • Para Handbook Section 3: Job Descriptions & Procedures Job Descriptions Geary County USD 475 Classified Employee Handbook 5.3 Leaves & Absences 6.1 Work Schedule/Attendance 6.2 Overtime 6.4 Breaks 6.5 Attendance 7,5 Relationships with Students 7.7 Staff-Community Relations 7.8 Confidentiality 7.12 Dress Code 8.8 Evaluations 8.25 Telephone & Cell Phone Use 8.26 Computer Guidelines 11.1 Child Abuse Reporting 13.3 Reporting Accidents
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  • The Characteristics of Effective Para Lifelong learner Good interpersonal skills A positive attitude A desire for self-improvement Self-confidence Patience Empathy Concern for children
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  • 6.1Work Schedule/Attendance: Employees are considered probationary for the first 90 days of employment and are required to be at work all 90 days unless specifically excused by their immediate supervisor. It is also expected an employee will not miss more than 14 days during any one year unless there are extraordinary circumstances. Excessive absenteeism is grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including termination. 6.2Overtime: Overtime must be authorized prior to working it and is paid at an hourly rate of 1 times your normal hourly rate after you have worked more than 40 hours in a week. No leave (holiday, sick, general, vacation, family or any other leave) is to be considered part of the 40 hours for calculating overtime pay. Paid holiday hours do not count toward the 40-hour requirement for paying overtime. A week is defined as beginning on Sunday and ending on Saturday. 6.4Breaks: Allowing time for breaks is not required by law, it is a privilege extended by USD 475. Break times are under the authority of your supervisor, as sometimes other business concerns interrupt daily routines. Your work responsibilities take precedence over breaks. Breaks should not exceed 15 minutes and should not be taken in conjunction with lunch or the beginning or ending of the day. Breaks should be taken at the worksite, leaving the worksite requires the employee to clock out during the break. District employees work a variety of schedules and are permitted varying amounts of time for lunch depending upon their regular working schedule. 6.4.1Lunch Breaks: All employees working six or more hours will have a lunch break. A lunch break must be at least 30 minutes long, duty free, and occur within the first 6 hours of the workday. Staff are expected to clock out for lunch.
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  • 6.5Attendance: Geary County USD 475 views attendance as one of the most important facets of your job performance. All employees are here to serve the educational needs of our students. The employees attendance is required to fulfill this responsibility. Supervisors expect a 90% attendance rate and expect all employees to report to work at the appropriate time. Employees are expected to arrive at work before they are scheduled to start and be at their work station productively engaged in school district business by the scheduled start time. All time off must be requested in advance. All unapproved absences will be noted. Excessive absences, including those for sick leave, may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Failure to report to work for three consecutive days without notification to your immediate supervisor will be considered job abandonment and result in termination.
  • Slide 48
  • 7.5Relations with Students: Employees shall maintain relationships with students which are conducive to a safe and effective educational environment to include social networking sites. Employees shall not have any interaction of a sexual nature with any student at any time regardless of the students age or status. 7.7Staff-Community Relations: Staff members are encouraged to participate in community activities and organizations, insofar as these activities do not infringe upon school time. Prior permission must be obtained from the Superintendent or his/her designee for participation in any community activity which takes place during school time.
  • Slide 49
  • 7.81Confidentiality: Student Information: Confidential student information, whether written or oral, shall be handled in a confidential manner and be discussed only with the parents/guardians of the particular student and the appropriate school personnel. Violations of this rule which violate the privacy rights of students could result in disciplinary actions being taken against the employee, including termination.
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  • 7.12Dress Code: In general, proper personal wear is important for employee safety and portrayal of a professional image. Footwear should provide good traction and comfort when walking. Traction soled footwear should be worn in winter weather to help prevent slipping on snow or ice. Clothing should provide protection from the environment. Clothing considered inappropriate for wear includes the following: clothing depicting tobacco, alcohol, illegal substances, gang behavior, or offensive language clothing that does not cover the stomach, back or chest boxer or spandex shorts shorts or skirts less than finger-tip length when arms are held down to the sides tank tops or halter tops any article of clothing, jewelry or makeup which detracts from the educational process Any employee not adhering to the above guidelines will receive a verbal warning and possibly be sent home to correct the problem.
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  • 8.8Evaluations: All classified employees shall be evaluated twice during their first year of employment and at least once a year during subsequent years. Evaluation documents will be on file at the Mary E. Devin Center for Education Support. Classified employees shall be evaluated by their immediate supervisor on their personal qualities, their commitment to duty and work- related skills related to their job description. A copy of the completed and signed evaluation will be given to the employee and the evaluator, with the original being sent to the Human Resource Services Department.
  • Slide 52
  • 8.25Telephone Use: Telephones are for business use only. Please keep all personal phone conversations brief and infrequent. Personal long distance calls should not be made except in an emergency. If an employee must make a personal long distance phone call, the employee must use a calling card. 8.25.1 Cell Phone Use: Our primary purpose is the appropriate education of students. Therefore, cell phone use during times students are in classes should be restricted to emergency calls.
  • Slide 53
  • 8.26 Computer Software and Hardware Guidelines: Computer: Use of District Computers/Privacy Rights: Computer systems are for educational and professional use only. All work by students or staff shall be subject to unannounced monitoring by district administrators. The district retains the right to discipline any student, up to and including expulsion, and any employee, up to and including termination, for violations of this policy. Software: No software, including freeware or shareware, may be installed on any district computer until cleared by the district technology department administrator. Hardware: No equipment shall be attached to the local area network without approval of the district technology department administrator. E-Mail: District staff and students shall have no expectation of privacy when using district e- mail or other official communications systems. Any e-mail or computer application or information in district computers or computer systems is subject to monitoring by the administration. You may not: Send or forward e-mails containing libelous, defamatory, offensive, racist, or obscene remarks or terrorist threats. If you receive an e-mail of this nature, you must promptly notify your supervisor. Send unsolicited e-mail messages or chain mail. Forge or attempt to forge e-mail messages, or disguise or attempt to disguise your identity when sending e-mail.
  • Slide 54
  • 11.1Child Abuse: As required by law, any employee of the school district who has reason to know or suspect that a child has been injured as a result of physical, mental, emotional abuse or neglect or sexual abuse shall report the matter promptly to the local Social Rehabilitation Services Office. When the department is not open for business, the reports shall be made to the appropriate local law enforcement agency. School employees will not contact the childs family or any other persons to determine the cause of the suspected abuse or neglect. It is not the responsibility of school employees to prove that the child has been abused or neglected.
  • Slide 55
  • 13.3Reporting of Accidents: Should an on the job injury occur, the injured employee is required to report the injury verbally to his/her supervisor immediately and to follow up in writing within ten (10) days or the claim may be barred. Forms are provided through the building principal. The report of the injury must be sent to the Human Resource Services Department at the Mary E. Devin Center for Education Support. Additional information about your rights and responsibilities under workers compensation may be obtained from your supervisor or the district office
  • Slide 56
  • Section 4: Appendix Terminology Qualifying Students for Special Education Self-Evaluations Internet Resources 101 Ways to Praise a Child