Presentation from the 2011 National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals Confernece. Presenter: Joyce Mounsteven

1. Paraprofessional Roles and ResponsibilitiesAn ecological framework Presented by Joyce Mounsteven NRCP Conference May 2011

4. Microsystem Face to face interactions in their immediate settings: Para and student Para and teacher Para and administrator etc.

5. Mesosystem Linkages that take place between two or more microsystems Teacher and student interaction can influence para and student interaction Teacher and parent interaction can influence para and parent interaction etc.

6. Exosystem Social structures that influence the roles and responsibilities Board and state policies Collective agreements Internal politics etc.

7. Macrosystem The values and structures of society at large that influence everything we do. Attitudes Inclusion Human rights etc.

8. My research My role as a connoisseur Based on the perceptions of Educational Assistants (paraprofessionals) On-line surveys Focus groups

10. Para as friend

11. Para as protector

12. Para as teacher

13. Para as advocateHighlighted the ‘fuzziness’ of the role and lack of clarity of the purpose of the relationship (Broer et al, 2005)

14. Which microsystems can you identify? Working with one or two colleagues identify several more microsystems that you are aware of from your vantage point. (Use the table mat provided)

16. Para and the administrator

17. Para and the parent

18. Para and the specialist(How do these compare with your list?)

22. Dyads within the IEP team

23. Specialist/teacher decisions(How do these compare with your list?)

25. State legislation

28. Workplace health and safely regulations

29. Human Rights Commission(How do these compare with your list?)

33. Value of education

34. Respect for school workers (How do these compare with your list?)

36. Intervention at the level where it can be most effective

37. Tackling change at all levels of the system

39. Improved collaboration

40. Improved recognition of roles and responsibilities at all levels

42. Thank you! If you would like a copy of the executive summary of my research please contact me: joyce@jmconsulting.ca I would also appreciate any feedback you would care to share with me about the efficacy of the ecological model.