Competency Area A-CommunicatingLearning Support :

Communication among adults working together to provide instruction and support to students in Minnesota schools is critical. Teachers must provide guidance to paraprofessionals regarding schedules, lesson plans and other tasks. The teachers must ensure the paraprofessional is made aware of any changes that could impact the students with whom he or she works, such as: medication changes, instructional or behavioral changes, or other changes that might cause a shift in the role or attention of the paraprofessional. Communication is key to a successful and coordinated classroom. Establishing a regular pattern of communication will ensure that team members have a time to discuss student needs and goals, challenges they might be facing and ideas they have. Creating the time for communication and planning will pay off in shared understanding and expectations down the road.

In addition to communication between teachers and paraprofessionals, teachers must also communicate with others about the role of the paraprofessional. Sometimes parents, related services staff, and even administrators can be unclear about the role of paraprofessionals. They might have unreasonable expectations if their understanding is not correct. Teachers can play an important role in clarifying the role and responsibilities of paraprofessionals.