Call for Papers

Printable version of the Call for Papers

United We Educate, PATHS to the Future

Paraprofessional, Administrator, Teacher, Higher Education, & Other Stakeholders

27th National Conference on the Training and Employment of Paraprofessionals

April 17th- April 19th, 2008 at the Hartford Hilton Hotel in Hartford, Connecticut

Please Share this Call for Papers with other interested colleagues.

The NRCP Conference is going to Hartford, Connecticut. Hartford offers big-city sophistication, along with the charms and splendors of the New England countryside: sparkling rivers and shoreline, centuries of history and cluture, and an endless array of interesting sites to enjoy. You won't want to miss it!

The conference will be held at the Hartford Hilton Hotel. The conference begins Thursday, April 17th and continues through midday Saturday, April 19th. Registration and program pickup begins Wednesday afternoon, April 16th at 4:00 p.m.

Registration Fees

Don't miss the early registration fee of $150 with a special rate of $50 for paraeducators! The early bird rate will be extended until March 1, 2008 after which the regular conference registration fee will be $175, with a special rate of $75 for paraprofessionals. Hotel information and conference registration forms are available on the conference page. If you have any questions or experience difficulty in downloading materials, please call us at 435.797.PARA and talk to Connie.

Note: Because the conference is self-sustaining, it is necessary for ALL presenters to register and pay the fee.

Suggested Topics

This year we are especially interested in the following topics, but as always, we encourage proposals that expand horizons. Federal Updates related to the Reauthorization of IDEA 2004 and No Child Left Behind and its implications for the hiring, training and supervision of paraprofessionals at a state and local level.

Statewide or local initiatives to set standards and parameters for:

• Statewide assessment activities designed to meet requirements of federal legislation, i.e., No Child Left Behind and IDEA.
• Hierarchies of skill and knowledge competencies required to work in different levels of paraprofessional positions.
• Paraprofessional roles in various staffing arrangements and program areas.
• Training and professional development opportunities for paraprofessionals.
• Development of effective partnerships among provider agencies, 2- and 4-year colleges, unions, and other stakeholders.

Hands on Sessions specifically designed to strengthen the on-the-job performance of paraprofessionals working in Title I programs, home- and center-based early childhood programs, inclusive classrooms, ALS/bilingual education, and vocational/transitional services.

Incentives for retaining a skilled paraprofessional work force (e.g. career pathways, credentialing flexible degree programs, collaborative articulated systems between provider agencies and 2- and 4-year colleges).

Standards and professionally developed models for preparing teachers and other supervisors to work effectively with paraprofessionals and direct service providers in education and other human services.

Emerging roles for paraprofessionals in occupational, speech/language, physical therapy and other disciplines.

Proposal Format

If you are interested in making a presentation, please submit your workshop title and a brief abstract of 50-75 words. Should your proposal be accepted your workshop title and abstract will be used in the conference program.

Proposals must also include:

• A 150-200 word description of the proposed session.
• Target audience (e.g. general; paraprofessionals in education, adult services, related/support services; policymakers and administrators; faculty in community colleges, teacher educators, personnel developers; or other stakeholders).
• Names, addresses (including zip codes), telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses for ALL presenters. As we will be sending confirmation information to all presenters, this information is vital.

Remember: Because the conference is self-sustaining, all participants must be willing to register and pay the fee.

Session Length: Typically, the length of a session is 1 1/2 hours. However, if you require more time, please indicate your time preference and we will try to accommodate your request.

Audiovisual Requirements: Screens, overhead projectors and carts will be provided in all rooms.

Submit Proposals by Friday, November 16th, 2007.

E-mail your proposal to marilyn@nrcpara.org or mail two copies of your proposal to:

Marilyn Likins
National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals
Utah State University
6526 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-6526

435.797.PARA (phone)

Note: If your proposal is selected, you will be notified by the second week of November.