Keynote address from Marilyn Likins and Gina R. Scala from the 2011 National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals.

1. Keyed In, Logged On, Charged Up!Paraprofessionals Connecting with 21st Century Learners Introduction and Welcome Keynote Speakers: Gina R. Scala & Marilyn Likins May 12, 2011 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

3. 1997 ~ 300,000 aides

4. 1999-2000 ~ 621,000 aides

5. 2006-2007 ~ 54% of 6 million students with disabilities spend 80% of time in general education (3,240,000)

6. 2009 ~

7. 387,845 certified special education teachers nationally

8. 455,820 paraeducators in special education~US Department of Education: Data Accountability Center ~John A. Caliso

10. Providing one-on-one instruction

11. Modifying materials

12. Implementing behavior plans

13. Monitoring hallways & study halls

14. Meeting with teachers

15. Collecting data on the learning needs of individuals with exceptionalities

16. Providing personal care assistanceSPENSE, 2003

17. So what they say… Paraeducators have become an essential part of the special education team in developing individualized services and playing an increasingly prominent role in the instruction of individuals with exceptional learning needs. CEC Knowledge & Skills

18. Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)Exciting News Newly revised Knowledge & Skill Standards for Paraprofessionals Just approved in April Discussed in Session 8 Provide a foundation for training, evaluation and supervisory practices.

19. National Paraeducator Leadership Forum Sponsored by the NRCP -- May 2010 The purpose was to give State and National leaders a concentrated block of time to systematically address several critical issues. While conferences allow us to share our programs and results, they are not the most effective vehicle for in-depth discussion and problem solving.

20. State & National Paraeducator Issues PROCESS

21. Forum Issue #1 CREATING A PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT (PD) STRUCTURE FOR PARAEDUCATORS THAT: PROMOTES CONSISTENCY STATEWIDE AND FOSTERS LOCALLY DEVELOPED PD TIED TO DISTRICT AND SCHOOL STRATEGIC PLANS.

22. Forum Issue #2 TRAINING (EMPOWERING) TEACHERS TO PROVIDE SUPERVISION AND DIRECTION TO PARAEDUCATORS

23. Forum Issue #3 TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR ADMINISTRATORS TO ESTABLISH APPROPRIATE DISTRICT AND SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURES TO SUPPORT TEACHER/ PARAEDUCATOR TEAMS

24. Forum Issue #4 CULTIVATING LEADERSHIP AT THE NATIONAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LEVELS TO ADVOCATE FOR AND COORDINATE PARAEDUCATOR: INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION.

25. Forum Issue #5 BUILDING SUSTAINABLE CAREER PATHWAYS FOR PARAEDUCATORS Developing partnerships with local, state and IHEs, SEAs & LEAs to establish policies, standards, and systems for career pathways. Paraeducators and teachers should be actively engaged in the process at all levels.

26. COMMON CHALLENGES Clarification of roles and responsibilities Lack of awareness: State and local administrators Legislators (state and national) Teachers Lack of leadership at national, state and local level Inflexibility of higher ed. structures & restrictions Funding to support research and training Insufficient research

27. Think about this… “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.” ~Harry S. Truman

28. CONCERNS ESEA Reauthorization IDEA Reauthorization Funding Maintaining Status Quo

29. Just a thought… “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is a process. Working together is success.” ~Henry Ford

30. What Must Be Done Advocacy “You must be at the table or you will be on the menu” Leadership Implementation of Knowledge & Skills “Drip, Drip, Drip, Away”

32. A ~ attitude

33. R ~ responsible

34. A ~ ability

35. E ~ excellence

36. D ~ diligent

37. U ~ understanding

38. C ~ challenges

39. A ~ authority

40. T ~ take a risk

41. O ~ obligation

42. R ~ reduce effect