an ecological framework for understanding the roles & responsibilities of paraprofessionals in...

Paraprofessional Roles and ResponsibilitiesAn ecological frameworkPresented by Joyce Mounsteven NRCP ConferenceMay 2011

Why an ecological framework?

Lessons from the past

Restricted scope of current research

An Ecological Model(Bronfenbrenner)

Microsystem

Face to face interactions in their immediate settings:

•Para and student•Para and teacher•Para and administrator etc.

Mesosystem

Linkages that take place between two or more microsystems

•Teacher and student interaction can influence para and student interaction

•Teacher and parent interaction can influence para and parent interaction etc.

Exosystem

Social structures that influence the roles and responsibilities

•Board and state policies•Collective agreements•Internal politics etc.

Macrosystem

The values and structures of society at large that influence everything we do.

•Attitudes•Inclusion•Human rights etc.

My research

•My role as a connoisseur•Based on the perceptions of Educational

Assistants (paraprofessionals)•On-line surveys•Focus groups

What I found in the microsystemPara and the studentPara as MomPara as friendPara as protectorPara as teacherPara as advocateHighlighted the ‘fuzziness’ of the role and

lack of clarity of the purpose of the relationship

(Broer et al, 2005)

Which microsystems can you identify?

Working with one or two colleagues identify several more microsystems that you are aware of from your vantage point.

(Use the table mat provided)

Other microsystems for consideration

Para and the teacherPara and the administratorPara and the parentPara and the specialist

(How do these compare with your list?)

What I found in the mesosystem

Teacher/administrator decisions

Parent/teacher decisions

Which mesoystems can you identify?

Working with one or two colleagues identify several more mesosystems that you are aware of from your vantage point.

(Use the table mat provided)

Other mesosystems for your consideraton

School team decisionsDyads within the IEP teamSpecialist/teacher decisions

(How do these compare with your list?)

What I found in exosystems

School policy

State legislation

Collective agreements

Which exosystems can you identify?

Working with one or two colleagues identify several more exosystems that you are aware of from your vantage point.

(Use the table mat provided)

Other exosystems for your consideration

State/province legislation (e.g. Physical restraint)

Workplace health and safely regulationsHuman Rights Commission

(How do these compare with your list?)

What I found in macrosystems

Impact of inclusion movement

Parental empowerment

Which macrosystems can you identify?

Working with one or two colleagues identify several more macrosystems that you are aware of from your vantage point.

(Use the table mat provided)

Other macrosystems for your considerationAttitudes to class and culture

Value of education

Respect for school workers

(How do these compare with your list?)

How does this help?

Awareness of the complexity of the roles and responsibilities

Intervention at the level where it can be most effective

Tackling change at all levels of the system

Realization that there are no easy answers

Next StepsImproved communicationImproved collaborationImproved recognition of roles and

responsibilities at all levelsImproved training for all personnel

Your next steps

•Can you share with your neighbour one way in which you think you can use this information to your advantage in your work place?

Thank you!

If you would like a copy of the executive summary of my research please contact me:

joyce@jmconsulting.caI would also appreciate any feedback you

would care to share with me about the efficacy of the ecological model.