Para Power Handbook
PARA POWER
HANDBOOK
IEP Implementation Guide
Your Role
You are a vital member of the educational team. Your support ensures that students with diverse needs can access the curriculum and thrive in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
The Golden Rule
Confidentiality: Under FERPA, student information is private. Never discuss a student's IEP, disability, or behavior in public spaces or with individuals not on the student's direct service team.
Paraprofessional Name
School Year / Assigned Classroom
Fundamentals
Understanding the Document
01
Key Terminology
IEP (Individualized Education Program)
A legal, binding document that outlines a student's learning goals, required services, and necessary accommodations.
LRE (Least Restrictive Environment)
The mandate that students with disabilities be educated with their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.
PLEP / PLAAFP
Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance. This tells you exactly where the student is starting.
BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan)
A plan designed to replace problem behaviors with positive skills. If a student has one, you must follow it exactly.
The "Snapshot" Strategy
Don't be overwhelmed by a 40-page IEP. Ask your lead teacher for the IEP Snapshot. This condensed version highlights only the goals and accommodations that you will support in the classroom daily.
Instruction
Supporting the Student
02
Accommodations vs. Modifications
Think of these as the "How" and the "What" of special education support.
| Feature | Accommodations | Modifications |
|---|
| Primary Goal | Changing HOW a student learns or tests. | Changing WHAT a student is expected to learn. |
| The Level | Student works at grade level. | Student works at a different level. |
| Examples | Extra time, audio books, fidget tools, visual schedules. | Simpler math problems, alternate reading, reduced vocab lists. |
Fostering Independence
"The best support is the least amount needed for success."
Prompting Hierarchy
- 1. Natural Cue (Teacher says "Go")
- 2. Visual Prompt (Point to clock)
- 3. Verbal Prompt ("Get your book")
- 4. Physical Guidance (Last resort)
Wait Time
Give students 10 full seconds to process an instruction before providing a prompt. Processing speed is a common IEP challenge.
Data Tracking
Measuring Success
03
"In Special Education, if it wasn't documented, it didn't happen."
Common Data Types
- Frequency/Tally Counting specific behaviors (e.g., hand-raising).
- Duration Timing how long a behavior lasts (e.g., a meltdown).
- Trial-by-Trial Recording +/- for specific attempts at a skill.
The "Objective" Rule
Avoid opinions or emotional labels. Stick to observable facts.
❌ Avoid: "He was being lazy today and refused to work."
✅ Use: "Student completed 2 out of 10 math problems after 3 verbal prompts."
Practice Notes Area
Collaboration
Communication Standards
04
Professional Boundaries
When parents ask about student progress, it can be tempting to give detailed updates. However, the Lead Teacher or Case Manager is legally responsible for reporting progress.
Try this script:
"It's been a busy day! [Lead Teacher] has all the data on [Student]'s goals and will be able to give you a full update on progress during your next check-in."
The Para Readiness Checklist
I have read the IEP Snapshot/Goal Summary for my assigned student(s).
I know the specific accommodations I am responsible for implementing.
I have a physical or digital tool ready for daily data collection.
I understand the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) and safety protocols.
I know who to contact immediately if a crisis or emergency occurs.
Empowering Support Staff • Supporting Student Success
Goal Tracker Worksheet
IEP Goal Tracker
Daily Performance Monitoring
Student Name
Week Of
Specific IEP Goal / Objective
Write the specific target skill here (e.g., "Student will use a 5-point scale to identify emotions with 80% accuracy").
| Date / Day | Trial / Opportunity Data (+ or -) | Accuracy % |
|---|
| Mon | | |
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| Tue |
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| Wed |
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| Thu |
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| Fri |
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Qualitative Notes / observations
IEP Data Master Sheet Prompt Key: I = Independent • G = Gestural • V = Verbal • P = Physical
