Need for Project
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, eighty-four percent (84%) of public schools agreed or strongly agreed that students’ behavioral development has also been negatively affected by COVID. It further reported that increased incidents of classroom disruptions from student misconduct (56 percent), rowdiness outside of the classroom (49 percent), acts of disrespect towards teachers and staff (48 percent).
Paraprofessionals are critical to the development of students and are expected to serve a variety of students and classrooms. Schools are seeking high quality training for paraprofessionals to help them address behavioral needs of students in their care.
Project Goal
The goal of this project is to provide intensive, specialized training and supports in the area of working with students when challenging behaviors arise. Participants in this training will be prepared to take the credentialing test to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). They will also be supported by a network learning community that would meet quarterly to discuss issues and current concerns.
Project Scope
Six Co-Design Team members from Ohio's ESC network will research, review and develop Paraprofessional Preparation Specialized Training for Challenging Behaviors.
Twelve trainers and facilitators (may be co-design team members) will facilitate face-to-face training sessions offered regionally and co-facilitate four Networked Learning Community meetings for Paraprofessionals throughout the year.
Desired Project Outcomes
Provide the resources, coursework and network support for Ohio Paraprofessionals to best address challenging behaviors.