Learning Services - Introduction to Instructional Assistance

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation requires Title I-funded paraeducators to demonstrate knowledge and skills in instructional assistance.   In response to the legislation, the North Central Regional Professional Development Council adopted Regional Standards for Paraeducators and a corresponding On the Job Assessment of Paraeducator Instructional Skills.

The purpose of Introduction to Instructional Assistance is to provide beginning and/or continuing paraeducators with basic knowledge and skills needed to assist with the instruction as defined in the ' Standards.

NCLB requires that the paraeducator's own academic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics be demonstrated at level expected of a person who has completed a two-year college program or who has completed equivalent coursework.   This course does NOT address the paraeducator's own academic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.  

NCLB Mandated Standards:

Introduction to Instructional Assistance will address the following NCLB Mandated Standards:

•  Paraeducators who are “highly qualified” demonstrate ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Colorado Legally Mandated Standards:

 Introduction to Instructional Assistance will also address the following Colorado-legally mandated standards:

•  Paraeducator must know and use prescribed district policies and basic procedures for protecting the safety, health, and well-being of learners and staff.

•  Paraeducators must know laws, policies and procedures for reporting suspected physical, sexual and psychological abuse.

Basic-Level Paraeducator Standards:

Introduction to Instructional Assistance will also address basic aspects of the following Regional Paraeducator Standards:

•  Demonstrate skills in instructional teamwork.

•  Maintain a learner-centered environment.

•  Plan and organize learning experiences and environments.

•  Engage children and youth in learning experiences.

•  Assess learner needs, progress, and achievements.

•  Meet standards of professional and ethical conduct.

Introduction to Instructional Assistance:

Introduction to Instructional Assistance is designed as a set of modules from which contracting districts may select to address that district's paraeducator learning needs.   Most modules are approximately 3 hours in length.   The basic course is offered as a two-semester hour course and includes 10 three-hour modules.   Contact Tresban Sherrill at tsherrill@cboces.org for contracting information.

College Credit Options

Paraeducators who want to pursue Paraeducator Certification through a community college, may apply this course through the community college's portfolio of experience process.

Paraeducators who want to receive undergraduate credit may receive Adams State College credit (pending course approval).

Paraeducators who already have a Bachelor's degree and want to receive continuing education graduate credit, Adams State College credit is available.

CBOCES professional development credit may be earned in increments of .5 credit hours.

This two-semester hour course Adams State College graduate or undergraduate course (pending approval for each) is offered by Centennial BOCES.   The course is organized in ten modules of approximately 3 hours each.   

Instructional Time:

The Instructional time for Introduction to Instructional Assistance is 30 clock hours.   Instructional time is based on that required by community college courses and graduate continuing education courses.   Each instructional session will begin with a warm-up activity of approximately 15 minutes and a mid-session break of approximately 15 minutes beyond the instructional time listed below. When scheduling training, please add an additional 30 minutes to the times indicated for the modules to be addressed during the session.