National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals
What is the best thing about the conference?
Listen to the answers of some of last year's attendees.
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The 2008 Conference will be held April 16th-19th, 2008 in Hartford Connecticut. The theme for this year's conference is United We Educate, PATHS to the Future- Paraprofessional, Administrator, Teacher, Higher Education, & Other Stakeholders
27th Annual National Conference on the Training and Employment of Paraprofessionals
Good news! You now have until November 16th to turn in your presentation ideas for the conference.
Call for Papers is available here.
You certainly won't have any trouble figuring out what to do in your free time. We've put together a list of some of the events and places you may want to visit while in Hartford.
If you haven't already taken advantage of our Early Bird Registration rates, visit the registration page today. Visit the registration page and sign up today!
Are you a paraeducator who works in a classroom where students with disabilities are educated alongside of their peers without disabilities? What you do and how you work with the children and the teachers is the subject of a study underway and hosted at three major universities in Arizona, California, and Florida.
Take the Paraeducator Survey
If you have any questions or want to add any details, please contact Ida Malian (ida.malian@asu.edu) or Ann Nevin(nevina@bellsouth.net).
As you're probably aware, the Elementary and Secondardy Education Act/No Child Left Behind is in the process of being reauthorized. The staff discussion draft of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act reauthorization bill was released August 27. This draft was developed through input received at nearly two dozen Congressional hearings and many discussions with education organizations and concerned citizens and is considered a "work in progress". Initial comments were due September 5th but a growing number of organizations are requesting that more time be taken for the reauthorization process to address key concerns with the current draft. Take time to familiarize yourself with the current draft and check back for updates.
More information on the NCLB Draft available here
If you haven't stopped by Para News Blog lately, this is what you have been missing:
The National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals is looking for articles for the next edition of the newsletter. If you have a state or local model program that you would like to highlight, training tips, an inspirational story or anything that think might be of interest to others in the paraprofessional field please send it to newsletter@nrcpara.org. Thank you.
Visit our Newsletter page to find past issues of the newsletter and click 'Email this page' to share the newsletter with a friend.
If you are interested in advertising a product or service on nrcpara.org, look for the small ad on each page and click on the link that says 'Advertise on this site'. If you have questions please contact us.
To unsubscribe from the newsletter send a message to unsubscribe@nrcpara.org with the word 'unsubscribe' in the subject. Thank you.
National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals
The 2008 Conference will be held April 16th-19th, 2008 in Hartford Connecticut. The theme for this year's conference is United We Educate, PATHS to the Future- Paraprofessional, Administrator, Teacher, Higher Education, & Other Stakeholders
27th Annual National Conference on the Training and Employment of Paraprofessionals
If you are interested in presenting at this year's conference, the Call for Papers is now available. Submit Proposals by Friday, October 12th, 2007.
To help you plan for the conference, we have provided a page with hotel and travel information. This year the conference will be held at the Hilton Hartford Hotel in Hartford Connecticut (try saying that six times fast!). Be sure to ask for the NRCP/ National Paraeducator Conference when reserving your room to receive our special conference rate. Use the code "NRC" when making online reservations.
This year we are offering a special registration fee for everyone who registers before March 1st, 2008. That takes the special rate for paraprofessionals down to only $50. Stop by our registration page today!
The exhibitor appliction and other information is also now available.
If you have been to our Web site lately, you may have noticed a new addition that we are very proud of, the State Paraprofessional Resource Section. We are attempting to gather together in one place all of the information that we can find about paraprofessional resources in each state- including guidelines, training opportunities and even what other people from your home state are saying in the forum. You can read more about the project or stop by to visit today:
State Paraprofessional Resource Section
If you haven't checked in our our Para News blog lately, here is some of what you have been missing:
If you would like to receive more frequent news updates from our blog, go to the blog and look for the subscribe box on the right side where you can enter your email address.
The National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals is looking for articles for the next edition of the newsletter. If you have a state or local model program that you would like to highlight, training tips, an inspirational story or anything that think might be of interest to others in the paraprofessional field please let us know. Thank you.
Visit our Newsletter page to find past issues of the newsletter and click 'Email this page' to share the newsletter with a friend.
If you are interested in advertising a product or service on nrcpara.org, look for the small ad on each page and click on the link that says 'Advertise on this site'. If you have questions please contact us.
To unsubscribe from the newsletter send a message to unsubscribe@nrcpara.org with the word 'unsubscribe' in the subject. Thank you.
National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals
26th Annual National Conference on the Training and Employment of Paraprofessionals
Ensuring Student Success- Teams that Work
For over two decades, this conference has provided the opportunity to bring together a broad range of audiences. Don't miss this opportunity to network with policy makers, representatives of Institutions of Higher Education and others to plan and develop the infrastructures necessary to support paraeducators and their supervisors.
Numerous training sessions designed to strengthen the on-the-job performance of paraprofessionals will also be offerred.
There are over 50 sessions scheduled with times and locations to help you plan for the conference.
Only 28 days left until the National Conference , Pre-registration ends on April 28th.
Mark the date and register today!
May 2-5, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency Albuquerque
Hotel rooms still available at the Double Tree Hotel
Article on Paraprofessionals and the NCLB
This two-part article from Ludmila Battista and Dale Curry provides an overview of how the No Child Left Behind Act affects paraprofessionals as well as the experience of a paraeducator helping a student learn how to read.
We are in the process of collecting resources from each of the 50 states to provide more local resources for people looking for paraprofessional information. Specifically we are looking for information on state standards, para events (e.g. conferences), training opportunities (e.g., state, university or community college training programs) and paraeducator guides or handbooks. Please share your resources through this form or by replying to this email.
If you are interested in advertising a product or service on nrcpara.org, look for the small ad on each page and click on the link that says 'Advertise on this site'. If you have questions please contact us.
The National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals is looking for articles for the next edition of the newsletter. If you have a state or local model program that you would like to highlight, training tips, an inspirational story or anything that think might be of interest to others in the paraprofessional field please contact us. Thank you.
National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals
26th Annual National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals Conference
Ensuring Student Success- Teams that Work
The The full conference schedule is now available, there are over 50 sessions with times and locations to help you plan for the conference!
Don't Miss the Special Event!! You'll want to be a part of this exciting evening at The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center on Friday Night.
Mark the date and register today! May 2-5, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency Albuquerque
For over two decades, this conference has provided the opportunity to bring together a broad range of audiences. Don't miss this opportunity to network with policy makers, representatives of Institutions of Higher Education and others to plan and develop the infrastructures necessary to support paraeducators and their supervisors. Numerous training sessions designed to strengthen the on-the-job performance of paraprofessionals will also be offerred.
We have made six of our publications available again, including Strengthening & Supporting Teacher/Provider- Paraeducator Teams: Guidelines for Paraeducator Roles, Supervision and Preparation. All of our manuals are affordable and full of practical advice, validated instructional strategies and training exercises.
Interested in what other paraprofessionals do all day long?
Should this paraprofessional be providing health care at work?
In the last newsletter we issued a challenge to post a message to the forum for your state. Since then, Pennsylvania has seen a surge and is now leading the charge. When you visit the Regional Section of the forums you can now see a listing of the states with the most posts and comments.
If you are interested in advertising a product or service on nrcpara.org, look for the small ad on each page and click on the link that says 'Advertise on this site'. If you have questions please contact us.
The National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals is looking for articles for the next edition of the newsletter. If you have a state or local model program that you would like to highlight, training tips, an inspirational story or anything that think might be of interest to others in the paraprofessional field please contact us. Thank you.
National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals
The keynote speakers have been announced- Karen Kaiser Clark and Dr. Teri Wallace. Find out more about who they are and what they will present at http://www.nrcpara.org/conference/keynote-speakers
May 2-5, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency Albuquerque 26th Annual National Conference on the Training and Employment of Paraprofessionals Ensuring Student Success- Teams that Work.
Read more about the 2007 Call for Papers and other conference news, including registration information and "Things to Do" in Alburquerque on our Conference Page.
We have renamed the news section of our site to The Para Place. Some recent stories include:
Paraprofessionals 2.0
Learn about some online paraprofessional resources where you can contribute.
NEA Handbook and Training Guide
Learn about two excellent paraprofessional publications that are available for free online.
Visit the Para Place today. To receive updates of all the news from the Para Place, you can receive more frequent updates by signing up on the form on the left side of that page or by clicking here to subscribe.
Visit with People interested in Paraprofessional Issues from your Home State Right now the states of Arizone, Arkansas and Pennsylvania are tied for first place for the most activity with a grand total of 5 posts each.
That's right, there is not a lot happening in the state forums as of now- where all of you California and New York paraprofessionals? Prove to the world that friendliest paraprofessionals are from your state. Go to the regional section, find your state and introduce yourself, ask about local resources or even share your favorite burger joint- may the best state win!
If you are interested in advertising a product or service on nrcpara.org, look for the small ad on each page and click on the link that says 'Advertise on this site'. If you have questions please contact us.
The National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals is looking for articles for the next edition of the newsletter. If you have a state or local model program that you would like to highlight, training tips, an inspirational story or anything that think might be of interest to others in the paraprofessional field please o let us know. Thank you.
National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals
In case you missed our first deadline to turn in a Paper for the 2007 National Conference, don't worry- we set a new deadline for November 28th (next Tuesday). Don't miss this chance to share your expertise and experience with hundreds of others from around the country.
Read more about the 2007 Call for Papers and other conference news, including new information on "Things to Do" in Alburquerque on our Conference Page (2007 Call for Papers available here.
And don't forget to Save the Date! May 2-5, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency Albuquerque 26th Annual National Conference on the Training and Employment of Paraprofessionals- Ensuring Student Success- Teams that Work.
How much fun will you have at this years conference? Just look at how much fun our co-directors are having at the 2006 Conference! You can see other conference pictures here.
From Dr. Jennifer Platt and Dr. Lee Cross
Despite national efforts and individual state initiatives, the nation still faces teacher shortages due to the number of teachers retiring, reduced numbers of individuals entering teaching (Cortez (2001) and the high rate of teacher turnover (Ingersoll & Smith, 2003; U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2004). In addition, the demographics of the teaching force at the national level remains a problem with an increasing discrepancy between the number of students from minority groups and the number of teachers representing these groups (Brennan & Bliss, 1998). By targeting paraeducators, the authors have identified a method for increasing the numbers of individuals selecting and remaining in teaching particularly in exceptional education and at the same time have found a way to increase the ethnic diversity of the teaching force.
PACE (Paraeducators Acquiring Certification in Exceptional education) is a teacher preparation program that prepares paraeducators to be exceptional education teachers while they maintain their paraeducator positions in diverse public schools. Participants receive tuition assistance, competency-based instruction, flexible course delivery, streamlined admissions, ongoing advisement, applied field experiences, curriculum compacting, performance-based assessment, multiple layers of mentoring, coaching, professional development, and a full year of induction.
Read the rest of the article here...
We have been busy adding lots of new content on our Web site. Here are a few of the projects we have been working on:
There are now over 500 messages posted to the NRCP Message Board, here are a few recent posts that you may be interested in-
Lastly, if you haven't visited the regional section, there is now a forum for each state. While some states have started a few discussions, most visitors seem to be waiting for someone else to post the first message. Take the plunge and introduce yourself to other paraprofessionals from your home state.
To receive more frequent updates from the NRCP Para News Page, then Subscribe to National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals News by Email.
If you would like to advertise your product or service on nrcpara.org, please contact christopher@nrcpara.org.
The National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals is looking for articles for the next edition of the newsletter. If you have a state or local model program that you would like to highlight, training tips, an inspirational story or anything that think might be of interest to others in the paraprofessional field please send it to newsletter@nrcpara.org. Thank you.
To unsubscribe from the newsletter send a message to unsubscribe@nrcpara.org with the word 'unsubscribe' in the subject. Thank you.
National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals
Once again, it is time to prepare ourselves for a new year. For many of you it will mean participating in professional development opportunities as well as working together to organize rooms and prepare materials. It will mean thinking of the students you'll be meeting, or how those you know will grow, this year. It is an exciting time; one that will bring changes.
One change in particular is the implementation of IDEA 2004 regulations. Watch for opportunities to learn more about important changes, such as: Response to Intervention and Early Intervening Services. You can find a link to the actual regulations as well the CEC Press Release in the NRCP news section.
We would like to thank those of you who were able to make the 2006 Conference in Minnesota. We had a great turnout and a lot of fun. Mark May 2 - 5, 2007 on your calendar and join us in New Mexico. The theme of the conference is "Ensuring Student Success- Teams that Work" which emphasizes the important role instructional teams of teachers and paraeducators have in helping kids learn, grow and achieve success. Please join us and consider submitting a proposal to present.
We wish the very best as you begin the new school year. Enjoy your role in working with students. It's one of the most important jobs in the world.
http://www.nrcpara.org/conference
Don't miss the chance to attend this year's conference!
26th Annual National Conference on the Training and Employment of Paraprofessionals
Building the Future- Ensuring Student Success- Teams that Work
May 2-5, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency Albuquerque
The theme for the conference is "Ensuring Student Success- Teams that Work" National, state and local presenters will discuss critical issues facing paraeducators, their supervisors, and state and local administrators as well as innovative ideas and strategies to use in your workplace.
Mark your calendars today!
http://www.nrcpara.org/conference/call-for-papers
Visit the Conference page to find more information about presenting at the conference. Please submit your proposal before October 27th, 2006.
The 2nd annual State Paraprofessional Leadership Networking Session will hold a pre-meeting Wednesday, May 2nd from 4-6 p.m.
This session is open to "State Para Leaders", that is, people who are engaged in activities to promote paraprofessional leadership at a variety of levels within their respective states. If you are interested in joining the State Paraprofessional Leadership Group, please e-mail Peggy Hayden at: phayden@fctvplus.net
The use of paraprofessionals with children who are deafblind is increasing. The "No Child Left Behind Act" has mandated the availability of qualified staff for all students. Paraprofessionals who work with children and youth who are deafblind not only need training and specialized skills in deafblindness, but they must also meet their states standards for paraprofessionals. Currently, there are no preservice training programs in the United States that are designed specifically for paraprofessionals in deafblindness that also interface with state paraprofessionals standards.
The SKI-HI Institute at Utah State University, in Logan, Utah, has addressed this need through a project funded by the U.S. Department of Education: Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). This project is a national online preservice training program in deafblindness that is useful for paraprofessionals, interveners, special education teachers, regular education teachers, related service providers, parents, and other service providers. The training includes three semesters (nine credit hours) of online coursework in deafblindness, the content of which is based upon the nationally approved Competencies for Training Interveners to Work with Children/Students with Deafblindness. The coursework has interactive components which allow students to network with the instructor and with other students from around the country.
Beginning Fall Semester of 2006 the coursework is being field tested at three sites. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has attached the training to their Interpreter training Program, Mount Wachusett Community College is offering the coursework in their Human Services/Deaf Studies option, and Salt Lake Community College has incorporated the training in their Paraprofessional Program. Currently there are 60 students participating in the field test. The curriculum is being evaluated to determine the effectiveness of the content and the method of delivery.
If you would like to receive more frequent updates on items from the NRCP Para News Page, then Subscribe to National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals News by Email.
The National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals is looking for articles for the next edition of the newsletter. If you have a state or local model program that you would like to highlight, training tips, an inspirational story or anything that think might be of interest to others in the paraprofessional field please send it to newsletter@nrcpara.org. Thank you.
To unsubscribe from the newsletter send a message to unsubscribe@nrcpara.org with the word 'unsubscribe' in the subject. Thank you.