Approve Agreements for Technical Services for Instructors for Paraprofessional Training during the Fall 2007 Semester (Information and Technology Division)

In 2006, the Staff Development Office developed the Paraprofessional Educator Training Strand to provide training opportunities for paraprofessionals. These courses include topics such as classroom management, communication skills, customer service, technology and working with children from impoverished backgrounds. The courses are between 6 and 15 hours.

Instructors are paid the board contracted rate of $38.84 per hour. Paraprofessional training courses typically have 30-35 participants. They are held on varying dates at district school sites.

Agreements for Technical Services have been prepared for the attached list of instructors. These instructors meet regularly with the supervisor to discuss the effectiveness of the program. This allows them to effectively train participants and ultimately, increase student achievement. In order to continuously assign instructors as new sections of each course are needed, permission is requested to add and delete instructors as needed, not to exceed the budgeted amount of $12,000.

G-3, SF: 2-Recruit and retain highly qualified teachers and provide an ongoing mentoring program.

G-3, SF:3-Align professional development with teacher needs as reflected by student achievement data.

The Paraprofessional Training courses are funded through Staff Development Project 4502 in the amount of $12,000.

Participants in Paraprofessional Training courses complete an evaluation of the course upon its completion. Principals are surveyed annually to determine the impact of the program. Trainers also provide feedback to the Staff Development Office concerning the success of the classes. The Staff Development Office monitors the registration rates of courses to determine the future growth of the Paraprofessional Training Strand.