Case
Parapro Not Helping

In Mr. Franklin's Kindergarten class, he has a parapro that he gets along with really well. However, the parapro constantly does things in class to cause the students to get off task. During the morning work time, she will cut up with the students and call them to her desk. Then, during small group time when bothe the teacher and her have a group, she will get up from her group after the students have started working to go and do other things. The teacher has talked to her about this a little bit. The problem is that he does not know what else to say without making things awkward between them. He believes this causes disruption in the class when the small groups are not being tended to like they should be. What are some ways to tactfully handle this situation?

Posted on: 10/17/14 | Views: 1322
Solution #1
Mr. Franklin is in a tough situation since he must work with his parapro for a year. However, the parapro is actually hurting the academic process and he must address the situation as the teacher in charge of the class regardless if it hurts the relationship personally. Another alternative is to speak with the person in charge of the parapros and have that person address all of the paraprofessionals together as a group and go over specifically what is acceptable and what is not in a classroom.
16 0
Solution #2
The teacher should engage the para in a positive discussion on classroom roles. The teacher is the leader if the room and gas a responsibility that there is a climate hospitable to learning. If that doesn't work then involving administration is the next course of action.

I completely agree with you, addressing it is important.

You should always address the issue.

9 1
Solution #3
I think it is time in this situation for the teacher to have a serious conversati0on with the paraprofessional. Even if things will be awkward after, that is better than letting the situation affect the students learning. If having a conversation does not fix the problem then it is time to get other involved. talk to the paraprofessional's superior to see if that will fix the problem. The most important thing in this situation is that the students are getting everything they need.
1 0
Solution #4
If the teacher has tried multiple times to inform his para of the proper way to do things and has made her aware of the situation. I feel that the next step would be for him to discuss this with a administration. Awkwardness between him and his parapro is less important than his students learning and doing what they need to do.
0 0
Solution #5
It seems to me that the parapro does not have a clearly defined role in the classroom. The teacher is the person that is in charge of the classroom and needs to give the parapro a schedule of tasks and anticipated outcomes for the tasks. For example, when the parapro works with small groups she will observe how long it takes the students to begin/complete the assignment, strategies employed by the group and provide positive feedback to the group. With clear and specific roles, the parapro will not be able to distract the class.
0 0
Solution #6
I would contact one of the administration and ask them to come and view the group time.
0 0
Solution #7
In this case, I would go ahead and set time aside for a meeting with the para. I think it is important to be a team in the classroom. To be a team you need to be on the same page with each other as far as the day, lessons, and overall communication. I think you need to sit down and voice the concerns you are seeing and witnessing and feeling to have the para hear you out. I think once you talk, then you can create a schedule or plan or lesson to be used by the para. Perhaps suggest working with current students in the small groups and working with a timer for work and then time for free time with a timer present it may help the para work themselves into a routine. I hope this helps you!
0 0