The Educational Paraprofessional emphasis is a concentration within the ASIS degree (Associates of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies) at KaplanUniversity. It is designed to provide students with the critical knowledge and skills needed to be an effective paraprofessional in the classroom, child care center or any other setting where instructional aides may be of assistance.

With the recent adoption of the "No Child Left Behind Act" of 2001, as well as other current trends in education, the demand for highly qualified educators is increasing. Well-trained aides are needed to work at the preschool, elementary and high school levels. This also includes an increased need for teaching assistants in specialized areas such as bilingual and ESL education and special education. The Educational Paraprofessional emphasis area will prepare students for the more rigorous qualifications that are now required for these positions.

The Associate of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with Educational Paraprofessional Emphasis is designed to prepare students with the introductory knowledge and skills necessary for assisting classroom teachers. Students who earn this degree develop a solid foundation of general education courses including communications, composition, history, humanities, math, professional studies, science, social science and diversity/culture. In addition to these core classes the paraprofessional emphasis area includes the following specialized courses;

1. EP101 Introduction to Classroom Management

2. SS114 Child Development and Learning

3. EP210 Math Methods

4. EP220 Reading and Writing Methods

5. EP230 Survey of Special Needs

6. EP240 Assisting the ESL Learner

These courses are detailed below.

1. EP101 Introduction to Classroom Management

Course Description: This course will provide students with an overview of the paraprofessional’s role in effective classroom management. Topics include an introduction to classroom culture, the importance of communication and positive interpersonal relationships in the classroom, motivation and learning methods, and working with educational specialists to manage challenging student behavior. Emphasis is placed on managing individuals and small groups and enhancing the learning environment.

Course Outcomes: Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

  1. Explain effective organizational and time management strategies for the classroom
  2. Explain the importance of setting clear expectations for pupil performance
  3. Analyze the importance of the development of a positive classroom environment and culture
  4. Discuss the creation and delivery of lesson plans
  5. Discuss elements of effective instruction
  6. Apply team skills in an instructional environment
  7. Describe the role of the educational paraprofessional in the classroom
  8. Develop a personal philosophy of classroom management

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Welcome to Classroom Management

  • Explain your reasons for entering the Educational Paraprofessional emphasis program
  • Identify the key tools for success in Introduction to Classroom Management
  • Explain the importance of the syllabus and course format

Unit 2: Setting the Stage for Learning

  • Define and explain the purpose of classroom management
  • Identify several of the issues involved with classroom management
  • Explain the importance of classroom culture
  • Discuss the importance of appropriate behavior in the classroom

Unit 3: Effective Work Habits

  • Explain effective organizational and time-management strategies appropriate for children’s needs
  • Describe effective management preparations for working with students
  • Describe effective instructional preparations for working with students

Unit 4: Establishing the Physical Learning Environment

  • Explain how children are affected by the physical learning environment
  • Describe an appropriate physical learning environment

Unit 5: The Classroom Culture

  1. Explain the importance of and how children are affected by the classroom culture
  2. Create a plan for establishing classroom expectations, given sufficient information on needs
  3. Explain how classroom norms establish behavioral and performance expectations
  4. Explain why students should be involved in establishing classroom norms
  5. Explain how the teacher must match the management plan to the unique needs of the students

Unit 6: Shepherding Pupils

  1. Analyze a model lesson plan and instructional strategies based on a set of given needs
  2. Explain how lesson planning takes into account learning styles, providing meaning, and the importance of assessing closure
  3. Describe the “Hunter Model” lesson plan
  4. Describe Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences.

Unit 7: The Importance of Communication

  1. Explain the importance of communication and feedback between all members of the educational team
  2. Develop a communication plan for exchanging information between the pupil, teacher, and guardians

Unit 8: Handling Behavioral Challenges

  • Identify and discuss various strategies for improving disruptive classroom behavior
  • Discuss how children are affected by behavioral problems in the classroom
  • Develop a plan to deal with a child with behavioral problems

Unit 9: Examining Your Educational Beliefs and Learning Style

  • Explain how the assumptions of teachers or other authority figures can affect performance and self-concept.
  • Synthesize what you have learned about classroom management into an analysis of a classroom management plan

Unit 10: Creating an Educational Philosophy

  • Explain how your individual beliefs impact your educational philosophy
  • Examine how the course material will influence your performance as an Educational Paraprofessional

2. SS114 Child Development and Learning

Course Description: This course will survey normative and non-normative cognitive, social, and emotional development in children and adolescents. Students will use developmental theory to understand why problems occur and how they may be resolved in a particular age group. Using their understanding of how children and adolescents learn and develop students will develop strategies to provide classroom assistance that supports the intellectual, social/emotional, and personal development of all learners.

This course is designed for those students who are interested in the Education Paraprofessional career field as well as those interested in a survey of child and adolescent development and learning.

Course Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Describe the relevance of childhood development theories to childhood education

2. Explain the influences of family on child development

3. Identify the teaching strategies that support student achievement

4. Analyze the impact of diversity in the classroom

5. Describe the role of wellness programs on child development and achievement

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Introduction

  1. Explain your motives for entering the Educational Paraprofessional emphasis program
  2. Understand the educational objectives of this course
  3. Identify the key tools for success in Child Development and Learning

Unit 2: The Developing Child

  1. Describe the three domains of development (physical, cognitive, and psychological)
  2. Discuss the basic issues in developmental study
  3. Identify the scientific method, defining reliability and validity in research
  4. Discuss how understanding a child’s developmental stages relates to the classroom

Unit 3: Learning Theories and Child Development

  1. Compare and contrast the major theories of child development
  2. Discuss the major theories of learning and conditioning
  3. Explain the influence of children’s developmental levels on classroom instruction
  4. Identify the principle theorists to the field of childhood development

Unit 4: Memory and Motivation

  1. Identify the types of memory and memory processes
  2. Describe the basic assumptions of information-processing theories
  3. Describe the effects of ADD and discuss the various approaches to promote learning in students with ADD
  4. Discuss techniques for improving memory

Unit 5: Family and Cultural Influences on the Developing Child

Define psychosocial theory and discuss the predominant psychosocial learning theories

Describe the role of family in the process of development from infancy through adolescence

Identify factors contributing to child abuse and neglect

Discuss cultural influences on a child’s development

Discuss how children are affected by their psychosocial developmental level relative to learning

Unit 6: Differential Learning Ability

  1. Discuss how children are affected by mixed learning styles, ability levels, and multiple intelligences
  2. Compare theories of intelligence and their implications on children’s ability to learn
  3. Recognize and discuss appropriate learning strategies that take into account children’s different learning styles

Unit 7: Differential Cognitive Development and Behavior Problems

  1. Recognize and discuss appropriate learning strategies that take into account children’s different ability levels.
  2. Discuss how children are affected by early intervention services and differentiating instruction.
  3. Explain the “No Child Left Behind Act’s” effect on the classroom

Unit 8: Technological Solutions for Enhancing the Educational Process

  1. Give at least four examples of effective technology integration in the classroom
  2. Discuss some of the advantages and challenges of integrating technology in the classroom
  3. Discuss how educational technology can help the educational professional meet the needs of more students

Unit 9: Wellness and Cognitive Development

  1. Discuss how children’s wellness affects their learning
  2. Recognize and identify appropriate wellness regimens for a variety of children’s needs
  3. Describe some of the critical states in development that require attention to wellness issues

Unit 10: Holistic Education

  1. Discuss the definition of holistic education
  2. Recognize and identify ways to teach children about themselves
  3. Describe ways to promote healthy habits and relationships in children
  4. Identify ways child development theories and learning will be utilized as a Paraprofessional

3. EP210 Math Methods

Course Description: This course is designed to prepare students in the paraprofessional emphasis area to proficiently assist pupils with basic math skills. Students will be provided with opportunities to explore mathematical ideas using a problem solving approach and a variety of manipulative materials. Emphasis is on problem solving, reasoning, and the ability to communicate mathematical thinking orally and in writing in accordance with current educational reform.

Course Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Explain the central mathematical concepts of arithmetic, pre-algebra, and geometry
  2. Perform basic arithmetic, basic algebraic, and basic geometric operations
  3. Identify developmentally appropriate grade level strategies for mathematics instruction
  4. Apply mathematical instructional methods to accommodate individual learning styles

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Introduction and the Reform Movement

  • Summarize the educational objectives of this course.
  • Discuss strategies for completing the courses’ learning activities.
  • Explain how your own math experiences relate to your professional role.
  • Examine the influences of math reform and explore contrasting philosophies of mathematics.

Unit 2:A Review of Early Math Concepts

  • Explain concepts of number sense and use strategies to facilitate instruction
  • Explain the whole-number place value system and identify effective teaching strategies
  • Analyze the role of the paraprofessional in enhancing student performance

Unit 3:Child Readiness

  • Explain the relevance of childhood development theories to education
  • Identify and understand different theoretical approaches and how they affect teaching/learning.
  • Identify developmental theories best suited for particular needs of students.

Unit 4:Basic Facts and Operations

  • Explain properties of math operations (addition/subtraction, multiplication/division)
  • Explain how you would apply strategies to enhance the teaching and retention of math operations.
  • Discuss the importance of developmentally appropriate approaches and applications of math concepts
  • Discuss different strategies for meeting individual needs of students

Unit 5:Understanding Fractions

  • Explain basic principles of fractions and computation of fractions
  • Identify strategies for teaching concepts to students
  • Explain how to modify approaches based on developmental and individual needs of the student

Unit 6:Measurement and Geometry

  • Identify concepts students must acquire to perform measuring tasks including length, area, volume, weight, mass, and angles.
  • Identify effective strategies for teaching these measurement tasks, in addition to the measurement of time.
  • Explain the fundamental concepts of geometric thinking.
  • Identify applications for measurement and geometry that would be personally relevant to students.

Unit 7:Decimals and Data Analysis

  • Describe the relationship between decimals, fractions, and percentages
  • Identify skills students must acquire in order to perform calculations using decimals and fractions
  • Explain basic data analysis and identify examples of it in everyday life.
  • Analyze developmentally appropriate strategies and examples in teaching these concepts

Unit 8:Algebra and Functions

  • Explain the fundamental concepts of algebra (the use of patterns and equations with variables to express these patterns)
  • Apply algebraic thinking to problem-solving
  • Identify relationships that are considered functions and note some relevant personal examples

Unit 9:Problem Solving and Technology

  • Apply the problem-solving approach to other topic areas in teaching math
  • Explain how problem-solving requires an underlying genuine understanding of math concepts, rather than a reliance on formulas or equations to memorize.
  • Identify strategies for incorporating technology into the classroom and with individual students

Unit 10: Reflection and Professional Application

  • Explain the practical applications of the math concepts and strategies you have explored
  • Assess the progress you have made achieving the course outcomes
  • Analyze how your role, as a paraprofessional, can contribute to the reformed areas discussed in the NCTM Principles and Standards

4. EP220 Reading and Writing Methods

Course Description: This course is designed to familiarize students in the paraprofessional emphasis area with a developmental approach to balanced literacy instruction. Emphasis will be placed on key reading and writing elements including phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, comprehension, spelling, writing, listening, speaking and vocabulary development. Students will explore strategies in order to provide paraprofessional classroom assistance that supports the Language Arts program.

Course Outcomes: Upon successfully completing this course, student will be able to:

  1. Explain developmentally appropriate strategies for reading instruction
  2. Explain the interrelationship between the reading and writing processes
  3. Analyze the relationship between vocabulary development, comprehension and reading fluency
  4. Discuss reading and writing strategies that can be effectively integrated across the curriculum

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Introduction

  • Summarize the educational objectives of this course.
  • Discuss strategies for completing the course’s learning activities.
  • Analyze the process of learning to read in your own life.
  • Examine the role of the Paraprofessional.

Unit 2: Learning to Read: Phonemic Awareness

  • Describe the role phonemic awareness plays in reading readiness.
  • Identify examples of phonemic awareness activities designed to develop reading readiness.
  • Examine the criteria for being a Paraprofessional.

Unit 3: Learning to Write

  • Describe the developmental process of learning to write and how movement to conventional spelling contributes to this process.
  • Identify effective strategies that support beginning writing and spelling development.
  • Examine the standards and duties of the paraprofessional

Unit 4: Oral Language Development: Listening and Speaking

  • Explain the importance of incorporating listening and speaking skills into the Language Arts program.
  • Describe effective strategies that support oral and aural language development.
  • Examine your role as a paraprofessional in organizing the learning environment to support your learners.

Unit 5: Reading to Learn: Comprehension

  • Describe the skills necessary in developing reading comprehension.
  • Explain the challenges students face related to reading comprehension.
  • Recognize and describe the importance of instructional supervision for the paraprofessional.

Unit 6: Reading Fluency

  • Identify reasons why struggling students may have difficulty in becoming fluent readers.
  • Describe the skills that contribute to reading fluency.
  • Recognize and discuss effective strategies designed to encourage reading fluency.
  • Identify strategies used to monitor student learning.

Unit 7:Vocabulary Development

  • Explain the importance of vocabulary development.
  • Recognize and effective vocabulary instruction strategies that can be incorporated across the curriculum.
  • Identify effective ways to manage time to enhance instruction.

Unit 8: The Reading/Writing Connection

  • Explain the interconnection between reading and writing.
  • Describe the Reading/Writing Workshop approach.
  • Identify effective strategies for managing student behavior.

Unit 9: Success for All

  • Identify ways to welcome the second language learner.
  • Describe adaptations that can be made to individualize instruction in an inclusive classroom.
  • Recognize and describe effective instructional methods to differentiate instruction in a heterogeneous classroom.
  • Examine the professional and ethical behavior required of the paraprofessional.

Unit 10: Putting it All Together: Professional Application

  • Identify skills and strategies from this course that you can apply to your role as a paraprofessional
  • Explain how you have met the course outcomes

EP230 Survey of Special Needs

Course Description: This course is designed for future paraprofessionals who will be working with students with special learning needs. The paraprofessional student will develop an understanding of some of the more common learning differences and disabilities currently encountered in the mainstreamed and special education classrooms. Students will also address issues of giftedness, learning strategies, behavior modification as well as relevant federal legislation.

Course Outcomes

1)Identify characteristics of students with learning differences and disabilities

2)Explain how federal laws affect special education.

3)Apply strategies for addressing the individual needs of learners.

4)Select best practices from coursework to facilitate the goals of student Individual Educational Plans (IEPs)

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Introduction

  • Summarize the educational objectives of this course
  • Discuss strategies for completing the course’s learning activities
  • Define relevant terms such as special education, inclusion and disability
  • Examine the role of the Paraprofessional in light of the special education population

Unit 2: Characteristics of Disabilities/Part 1