Introduction: What is "supervision?"
Activities and Discussion Questions
Activity #1:
As background for this activity, provide an overview of the legislation regarding the preparation and supervision of paraprofessionals and review the Minnesota research on competencies for teachers directing the work of paraprofessionals (you might use the two power point presentations provided). Have participants review the list of competencies for teachers who direct the work of paraprofessionals and assess their current level of preparation individually. Then, you might lead a discussion on the importance of these competencies. You might also use the articles in IMPACT as the basis for discussion - http://www.ici.umn.edu/products/impact/152/default.html.
Discussion #1:
Discuss the evolution of the role of paraprofessionals.How and why the role is different from when paraprofessionals were first introduced into the classroom. You might choose an article for participants to review prior to having this discussion. You might also use the article in IMPACT as the basis for discussion - http://www.ici.umn.edu/products/impact/152/default.html. The knowledge and skills that paraprofessionals would need to have to fulfill their role in assisting and supporting teachers can be discussed during a review of the Minnesota Core Competencies for Instructional Paraprofessionals (doc download).
Discussion #2 :
You might ask participants about their experiences with paraprofessionals -- what went well and what was challenging? Ask them about their role in directing the work of paraprofessionals. Was their role clear? Did they feel they had what they needed to do a good job? What challenges did they face? Review some of the results of the Status Report II: Preparation and Supervision of Paraprofessionals in Minnesota (ppt download). Especially consider the results related to "supervision" and discuss these with participants.
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