A Glossary of Terms

One of the suggestions from in service was the need for a "desk reference" of disabilities.  A quick explanation of a disability, how it manifests, what to expect and maybe a list of resources for getting more information.
I think this is a great idea, and figured it would be a snap to google search and locate a perfect little list.  How arrogant of me to think that these complex disabilities would manifest in such simple ways that a quick glossary would be easy to find.  There is a lot of reference and I will continue to search for good resources for you.
I did find a good place to start.  The Center for the Improvement of Child Caring has a nice glossary of terms.  This is the link:  http://www.ciccparenting.org/Glossary1.aspx

I have placed this information on the Para Moodle site also.

Please share if you find a reference or resource you like.

PaTTAN Trainings for 2013-2014

For 2013-2014, all of the PaTTAN trainings for special education paraprofessionals will be provided online.
Starting August 1, 2013, a two-part training focusing on promoting student independence will be available to paraprofessionals, on-demand, at: http://pattan.framewelder.com. This series will focus on principles of instruction and strategies paraprofessionals can use to foster independence in the classroom and throughout the school day. Participants will gain knowledge related to the standards listed in the Pennsylvania Credential of Competency Knowledge and Skills Checklist and earn up to four in-service training hours.
Additional training sessions on various topics will be posted to the training site periodically throughout the 2013-2014 school year.

You can earn Certificates of Attendance for completing each of the online courses. To earn a Certificate of Attendance you must view the entire course and complete the assessment at the end. Participants are responsible for downloading certificates of attendance. Participants may access a record of their completed courses by clicking on the certificates button above. PaTTAN will not keep a record of participation in the online courses in the PaTTAN transcript system.

To complete each course watch the presentation and complete the assessment at the end. The assessment will be made available once you have watched the full course. The assessment is in multiple-choice format and you will receive immediate feedback.

End of the Year Musings

It is almost the end of the 2012-2013 school year.  June 30 marks the completion of another year and also the deadline for completing the required 20 hours of professional development for all Special Education Paraeducators.  In years past, this has been a busy time with a flurry of forms swirling around my desk as paras rush to complete the requirement and submit the forms.
But this year is different.  My phone is strangely quiet (that's not a bad thing!) and my inbox is empty.  I have a few online forms to sign, but for the most part - nothing!
I think we have reached the point where 95% of our dedicated Paraeducator staff are on board and flying along on the professional development train.  Everyone understands the federal requirement, understands the process for securing the hours, knows the best places to look for opportunities for training.  I believe this is all due to the incredible work ethic and sense of duty our Paraeducators share.  Every school day, in Westmoreland County, special needs children in WIU classes are assisted by the finest individuals in the field.  These caring Classroom Assistants and Personal Care Assistants are truly professionals in every sense of the word. 
As of today, June 18, 2013, WIU Classroom Assistants and Personal Care Assistants - Long Term Substitutes included - have amassed 4,566 hours of professional development.  That is an average of 31 hours per person!  Pretty impressive!
So, pat yourself on the back.  Be proud of yourself.  I know I am proud of each one of you.