Paraeducators and Budget Cuts
What’s happening to all our paraeducators? Paraeducators are individuals who assist with instructional and other student services within the school environment. However, today with the recent budget cuts paraeducators are the first to go. What about those students whose success in a classroom depends on them? What about the teachers who rely on their support to better meet the needs of students in their classrooms? What about the need to perform day to day clerical papers?
The rise of students needing assistance has called for more paraeducators in the schools. However, if money is not available then paraeducators will not be hired. Special Education services rely on these professionals to assist with special needs students inside and outside of the classroom. Without them, many children’s education will suffer. How can we address the need of paraeducators in today’s schools?
Although paraeducators are not the primary service providers, they are still needed in schools. Paraeducators can be trained based on the qualifications needed. A paraeducators work never goes unnoticed as they are supervised by licensed by professionals who guide them in the assistance they give to students.
By cutting paraeducators, our school’s growing population will be underserved. Please be aware of the needs of this individuals and the difference they make on many children’s life.
I agree! Paradeducators are very important in helping meet students' educational needs. I was surprised to learn that paraeducators at Title I schools must have an associate's degree or pass a test, but these requirements do not necessarily apply at schools that don't receive Title I schools.
ReplyDelete