New Directions
New Directions is a research and practice based education
and training program for paraeducators working with students with ASD
in all school settings, from full inclusion to self-contained classes.
Recent changes in IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act)
have placed a renewed emphasis on preparing paraprofessionals and other
school related personnel to provide special education services.
New Directions is a ten hour course designed for 12-18 paraeducators. Each session consists of a professional topic presentation, discussion, materil design and construction, and opportunities for brainstorming, problem solving, and questions and answers. Participants recieve a notebook with lecture notes handouts, and a packet of materials which may be reproduced for student use.
Topics Include:
- Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders and related disablities
- Information processing styles
- Restrcted range of interests
- Social understanding and expression
- Self-stimulatory behaviors
- Instructional environment
- Instructional design preferences
- IDEA and other regulatory issues
- ABA, Structured Teaching, and other programs
- Data management and record keeping
- Confidentiality
- Contibuting to a collaborative climate
Program Goals:
- Participants will identify developmental, cognitive, and behavioral effects of Autism Spectrum Disorders on all aspects of student performance.
- Participants will identify sensory and communication elements affected by ASD.
- Participants will identify elements of educational support they provide in the areas of organization, academic and instructional modifications, promoting communication and social skills, and fostering appropriate behavior.
- Participants will identify reasons for understanding
students and their disabilities, special education regulations, maintaining
relationships of respect and trust with teachers and others on the education
team, and the role of paraeducator support.
