Paraprofessionals Study Groups 2006-2007
The mission is to create learning experiences for paraprofessionals to enhance their job performance, knowledge, competency, and skills. It is also to provide opportunities for paraprofessionals to network among themselves, forming a collaborative, collegial culture within schools and districts, and ultimately within the state of Connecticut. A study group is a facilitated group in a school building or district involving 4-8 members who gather for in-depth dialogue. The study groups will meet regularly to analyze, reflect upon, dialogue about, and construct meaning on current topics or issues. They will assist paraprofessionals to develop the skills and abilities needed to do their jobs at a highly qualified level while partnering with other educators to improve student outcomes. The Facilitator is to be a paraprofessional selected by a district or school administrator. The duties of the Facilitator will include: inviting colleagues to join the learning experience; scheduling dates and times of meetings; becoming familiar with topics/issues; preparing materials; and, if appropriate, inviting outside speakers to present information. The Facilitator will also “facilitate” during the actual study group sessions. Facilitation during the study group meeting will include reviewing group norms, keeping the group on task, staying within the set time limits, and providing all members an opportunity to share. Participants identified in the study groups are to be paraprofessionals who work in the same building or district as the Facilitator. Administrative support is key. This will manifest in a number of ways: regular monitoring of the group; possibly sitting in on a session; providing space and times for the groups to meet; providing release time for the Facilitator to receive support and training through SERC; allowing time for the Facilitator to prepare for group meetings; marketing the study groups to the staff (by either placing the study groups on the agenda of staff meetings or allowing the Facilitator to speak at the staff meeting); and supporting the Facilitator in securing resources for dissemination as appropriate (e.g., copies of a timely, relevant journal article) and light refreshments. Topics and issues will include Positive Behavior Support, LRE/Inclusion, Roles and Responsibilities of Paraprofessionals, and Specific Disabilities. Each study group will select one or more of these topics based on the needs and interests of participating paraprofessionals as well as administrative and building needs. The topics/issues for study should be a collaborative choice with input from an administrator(s), identified Facilitator(s), teacher(s), and paraprofessionals (intending to be participants of the group). SERC support will consist of Facilitator Training at the annual statewide conference for paraprofessionals in November 2006, as well as three sessions at SERC, Middletown in the winter and spring of 2006 (four total trainings/meetings). In addition, resource materials, SERC library membership, and consultation as needed (via phone or email, and/or, if appropriate, on-site by SERC Consultants) will be provided. In particular, SERC will provide training on skills needed by Study Group Facilitators: group norms, meeting norms, discussion enhancers and prohibitors, and specifics on forming, maintaining, and assessing the impact of a study group for paraprofessionals. These training sessions for Facilitators through SERC will also serve as networking opportunities for Facilitators across buildings and districts. Download a printable brochure and application form Formation of Study Groups involves a number of steps:• Identification of Facilitator(s) - District and/or school administrators are asked to nominate a paraprofessional as a potential candidate for facilitating a study group during the 2006-2007 school year*. The administrator should submit a recommendation to SERC (see application below). These candidates will receive initial Facilitator Training at the annual statewide conference in November. SERC will notify the selected participants and the district/school administrator. • Initial Meeting, Lunch Bunch at the Annual Conference for Paraprofessionals, Thursday, November 16, 2006 - The Facilitators will work with SERC Consultants who will provide an introduction to study groups (definition, purpose, group norms, protocols), facilitation skills, and study group curriculum (Positive Behavior Support, Instructional Support, LRE/Inclusion, Roles and Responsibilities, Specific Disabilities, such as Autism, ID, ADHD). Each Facilitator will use the two months prior to the second meeting to begin logistical preparations for his or her school or district (meeting room, times, schedule for meetings, permission, etc.) and to enlist up to eight (8) participants. • Second Meeting, one-half day Workshop (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.), Thursday, January 18, 2007 (January 30, Snow Date), Mariott Courtyard Cromwell - Topics will include further details on facilitation skills, study group norms, and protocols. • Third Meeting, one-half day Workshop (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.), Thursday, May 3, 2007, SERC, Middletown - Topics will include assessment, functioning, and impact of study groups. • Final Meeting, one-half day Workshop (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.), Thursday, June 21, 2007, SERC, Middletown - Purpose of the meeting is to celebrate and to discuss 2006-2007. Next steps, including the continuation of study groups, will also be addressed. The paraprofessional nominated by the school or district should:
The administration of selected paraprofessionals must agree to the following:
The paraprofessionals selected to serve as Facilitators of the study groups must agree to the following:
Download a printable brochure and application form
For more information, please contact SERC Consultant Kjell Fenn, (860) 632-1485, ext. 312. |
At CTSERC.org
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The vision is to initiate multiple study groups for paraprofessionals across Connecticut in various
districts and schools. It is anticipated that these study groups of paraprofessionals will meet throughout
the school year with participation growing from school year to school year as additional paraprofessionals
join in the learning opportunity and new groups are created.