In today’s public schools, finding time to provide the much-needed training for our Special Education paraprofessionals can be challenging. Although most states mandate the number of professional development hours for teachers, professional development for the Special Education paraprofessionals is not as clear cut. ‘
Generally individual districts plan their own professional development and identify specific days throughout the year for the training. Some professional development may focus on Special Education topics, such as mandated dyslexia training, but most professional development is geared to the general education teachers and professional staff. Many states do not even require training for Special Education paraprofessionals. This seems at odds with common sense, considering that the paraprofessionals play an essential role in supporting our students and teachers. Paraprofessionals provide support for students in a variety of settings, but are often not given paraprofessional training specific to these responsibilities.
Rethink’s online Training Center has a solution to providing this much-needed professional development for Special Education paraprofessionals. The online Training Center now offers two series of professional development trainings. The Basic Training Series introduces the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) through 11 video-based modules. Each 7 to 10-minute video is supported with guided notes and a concluding assessment.
The Advanced Training Series offers 27 video trainings that provide the 40 hours of training needed to qualify for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Credential (see https://www.bacb.com/rbt/ for more information on the requirements for the RBT Credential). Both training series provide a rich, on-demand resource designed to increase instructional awareness to help the paraprofessional support engagement and learning for our students. The format of the online Training Center allows Special Education teachers and paraprofessionals access to quality and convenient professional development anytime and anywhere.
We all know that good teaching results in positive outcomes for students. Rethink’s convenient, online Training Center is one way to provide your Special Education staff with quality training on their schedule, to make quality teaching possible.
Discover new strategies for implementing a rewarding professional development model to support paraprofessionals by viewing our SEL webinar Resources.
Take Your Paraprofessional Training to the Next Level and Become RBT Certified!
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