Fact or Fiction? Paraeducator Edition

A paraeducator's role is to work with all students.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

Paras are able and should support all students, small groups, or a few students depending on the teacher's request, lesson plan, and individual student needs.

Initial instruction is not provided by a paraeducator.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

Teachers are responsible for the overall instructional planning, first-time instruction, collaborating with supporting persons, and supervision of the paraeducator.

Paraeducators do not require professional growth opportunities to serve effectively.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

Professional development is crucial and paraeducators receive training in supporting diverse learners.

Paraeducators must be an expert in an content area to support students.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

Paraeducators may not feel comfortable with a subject area. However, efforts given to collaboration, respectful relationships, clear directions with reflective feedback, and alignment of responsibilities to a paraeducator's strengths can foster effective support regardless of the subject matter.

Student success is the responsibility of both the teacher and the paraeducator..

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

Paraeducators work alongside teachers to support students within the classroom. While the supervising teacher has the ultimate responsibility for the learning environment, both are responsible for the learning and well-being of ALL students.

Relationships between the student and the paraeducator should promote student independence.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

Paraeducator support can have a positive impact on student success EXCEPT when student independence is not enhanced. Promoting student ownership of learning and greater independence will foster greater student success and self-confidence.

Paraeducators serve as the primary school-to-home communication linkage.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

Teachers are ultimately the primary person responsible for providing educational information to parents and answering questions about student academic performance.