classroom aides

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Home : 2003 : February : 28

classroom aides
By Julianne

In our school aide positions are reviewed at least yearly. If we have a problem with a particular person we can review it immediately. We chose not to hire back a woman who didn't do her job as it was outlined. That's
what SHOULD happen to your para that won't take direct instruction on what you want done. That said, I know how hard it is in some places to get a qualified person to work as a classroom aide, especially for a special ed. class. Still, it might be worth the trouble to work with your principal on this issue because: 1. Your school is not getting what it pays for. Money is the overlooked

part of the equation when a principal tells you you're lucky to have anything. Well, you don't have ANYTHING if the person isn't doing the job they're paid for. 2. A parent may complain at any time about the lack of attention a special needs student is getting and then you'll have to make a change. And that situation could be very ugly. Better to choose your own time and place than have a disgruntled parent choose it for you. And 3. Law suits are expensive and uncomfortable. If the students in your class don't meet the guidelines for education that are specified in their IEP's your school could be held liable - you could be held liable. Even special needs students are being given standardized tests these days. And those who don't take those tests are evaluated in some manner. If your aide isn't helping further the educational goals of your students someone is going to notice sooner or later and take action, possibly against you, the school or the district.

So, even though you have to choose your battles, this is one I'd choose to fight. You need a good person to help you. If your current aides can't be depended upon, and can't be reformed then it's time to find someone else. Have you looked at the local colleges? Sometimes a third or fourth year student who needs a part time job makes a great aide. Get one person for the am and another for the pm. Find a parent of one of your former students who wants a job. Find a retired teacher or a sub that wants some work. If you can find someone and have them lined up when you make your plea to your principal it might work better. Good luck. No one should have to live with an aide who refuses to do their paid job. (Ok, this is making me mad. We have so little in education that we can't afford to be paying people for nothing.)