This program is for those interested in becoming a teacher's aide.
The Texas Education Code (TEC) requires that all Title I schools employ a highly qualified workforce – including paraprofessionals, and Region 13 is ready and willing to help you meet this requirement!
This virtual, three-day certification training consists of an orientation to the role of paraprofessionals, training on the stages of learning, and scientifically based strategies for paraprofessionals to assist in reading, writing, and math instruction.
Participants will also take a locally developed assessment to demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics. This assessment meets the requirements for ensuring that all paraprofessionals are highly qualified.
Training modules include:
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overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
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Response to Intervention (RtI)
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confidentiality
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overview of TEKS/STAAR
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literacy basics (phonological/phonemic awareness, fluency, writing, word study/vocabulary, and comprehension)
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data collection
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tools for supporting reading, math and the writing process.
To complete this certification training, participants must:
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complete the entire 18-hour training consisting of an orientation to the role of paraprofessional, training on the stages of learning, and scientifically based strategies for paraprofessionals to use to assist in reading, writing, and math instruction
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pass a locally developed academic assessment demonstrating knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading, writing, and math
Important Note: Registration for the Paraprofessional Certification Training will close 10 days prior to the sessions to allow sufficient time for materials to be mailed out.
What do I need to participate in the 3-day training?
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Submission of your high school diploma/transcript or GED either as a scan or digital copy upon registration to Andrew.Garza@esc13.txed.net is required.
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Availability for all three days from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. A one-hour break for lunch is provided and full attendance for the three days is mandatory to receive a certificate of completion.
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A digital learning set-up such as a computer/tablet/smartphone with speakers (or earphones), a microphone, a web camera, and internet access is required. Your face must be present during the training, so a web camera or your device camera is mandatory.
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You will want a workspace with enough table area to write notes in the Paraprofessional Institute handbook that is mailed to you and any additional participation notes that are required. A pencil and notebook paper is recommended.
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You will be asked for an up-to-date mailing address for the handbook to be sent to you.
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Zoom is the online platform that you will be using for the live webinar and a basic understanding of how to access/participate in a zoom meeting is required. If you are unsure of how to use Zoom, watch the tutorial below prior to the first day of the Paraprofessional Institute. https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting-
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A Zoom invitation link will be emailed to you a few days before the session begins. We will also host an optional Zoom training session on Oct 13, from 5-6 pm. This will be an open house where you can log in and practice using Zoom.
What will the live online sessions be like?
We will be participating in a variety of ways to interact with others throughout the webinar and will group different ways such as:
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Full Group – This is an opportunity to interact with other participants virtually, talk about the topics for the day, and check-in with how everyone is understanding the content. Full group instruction will occur often each day in an online learning environment.
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Small-Group Breakout Session – Throughout the day, participants will come together virtually in small groups, through Zoom's breakout rooms. This option provides more discussions and activities that allow those attending to engage with the concepts they are learning, not only from general instruction but also from their peers. Small group instruction might happen 1-6 times a day.
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Partner Breakout Sessions – Participants will be organized in Zoom breakout rooms in pairs to emphasize opportunities to work together and provide feedback to each other. This may occur 1-8 times a day.
Cancellation Policy:
This training requires a handbook to be mailed to participants in advance, because of this, any cancellations after Sept 30, 5:00 pm will be granted a partial refund until the handbook is returned to Region 13. Cancellations after Sept 30, 5:00 pm, also have the option of having their registration transferred to a future training session.