2. Lessons learned on effectively budgeting financial
support for paraprofessionals for maximum impact
Discuss various models for providing financial
support
Effectiveness of a career ladder in addressing the
teacher shortage
Objectives
3. Grow Your Own programs
Fill schools need for teachers
EXPERIENCE + COMMUNITY = RETENTION
Why Career Ladders?
"Put simply, the paraprofessionals are the people who know the kids and the climate of the school. Not only do they
already have hands-on classroom experience, but paraeducators also offer ethnic diversity and a level of maturity that
directly benefits school districts. And because they are already a part of the community and local schools, they are
unlikely to move away or flee the teaching profession.“ ~Dr. Cathy Wooley-Brown
4. HOW TO AND WHERE TO ALLOCATE
FUNDS TO PARTICIPANTS
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS
OPERATIONAL FUNDS
Limited Funds
5. Meet Terry TA
Aspiring Special Education Teacher
SPED Paraprofessional for 15
years
Single mother with 2
children
Community college student
for 6 years
Income: $18/hr, $2,880/mo
Rent: $1,950 for 1 bedroom
7. Base cost to becoming a credentialed teacher in CA
Terry’s Financial Burden
Annual Total
California State University
Tuition
$5,472 $23,000
Credential Program $6,660 $13,300
Books $1,200 $7,200
Credential Testing
(Basic Skills, Subject Matter,
Reading Instruction
Competency)
$570
Credential Fees $150
Approximate Total Cost $44,220
8. Base cost to becoming a credentialed teacher in CA
LAUSD Career Ladder Financial Support
Annual
Tuition Reimbursement
$4,800 (4yr)
$960 (2yr)
Books $1,000
Credential Testing $600
Test Prep $1000
Foreign Transcript Evaluation $600 (1 time)
Approximate
Defrayed Cost
$35,400
9. Allocating for Exams
Initially exam reimbursements
were allocated by exam type
Voucher system more efficient
and effective than a
reimbursement system
Allocating for Tuition
Most of the members received
substantial financial aid
Reimbursements are limited to
funds actually paid
Book reimbursement was more
practical
Alternative Certification
SELECTION CRITERIA IS KEY!
Initial Lessons Learned
13. - Forums
-Tailored Training for
New SPED Teachers
- New Teacher
Summer Institute
- Review of Instructional
Standard Experiences (RISEs)
help to develop teaching
skills
- PBIS strategies can be
implemented immediately in
the classroom
- RISEs provide an
opportunity to reflect on
a planned activity after
receiving feedback
aligned to TLF
PBIS, Mentoring Minds Resources
- Surveys to determine
Professional
Development needs
- Evaluations provided at
Forums, trainings
- Mentor meetings
- Individualized guidance
14. Offered to Paraprofessionals three times a year during off track
time
Research-based
Meets the skills requirement for RBT Certification (if participant
wishes to pursue further)
Strategies which can immediately be used in the classroom,
enhancing paraprofessional skill set
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive
Positive Behavior Intervention and Support
15. Paraprofessional input about
workshop topics
Choice of 3 workshops
Led by District experts
200 paraprofessionals in attendance
STEP UP Forums: Fall and Spring
Workshop variety:
• Preparing to become a teacher
• Classroom Management
• University Credentialing Programs
16. Develop
teaching skills
with the
guidance of a
practicing
Aligned to
LAUSD's
Teaching and
Learning
Framework
(teaching
Understanding of
effective teaching
in domains of
Classroom
Environment,
Lesson Planning,
Professional
Responsibilities,
and Delivery of
RISE (Review of Instructional Standards Experience)
19. The most effective use of funds:
• Identify short track candidates
• Direct to appropriate
professional development
• Provide guidance on
educational/credentialing
programs
• Develop relationships with IHE
• Coach through application
and selection process
Mentorship
20. Selection Criteria
Education levels will directly impact budgeting
Job classification restrictions will also impact recruitment and
processing for the impacted job classification
GPA, attendance, and testing requirements completed lead to
quicker promotion allowing for more members
Principal Recommendation
Selection Process
21. Leaves for student teaching
Office Staff
Data collection/Member tracking
Commitment
LAUSD requires a minimum 2 years of certificated
employment for members
Member repay monies if commitment is not met
Miscellaneous Operational Considerations
22. 2 years 452 Members 106 teacher
Higher retention = lowered recruitment costs
The Learning Policy Institute:
Teacher turnover costs $4,500-$10,000 in CA
Conclusion
SHOW OF HANDS IN THE ROOM IF THEIR STATE/CITY HAS ONE – Patty
http://www.nea.org/home/18605.htm Getting Educated: Paraeducators
Dr. Cathy Wooley-Brown, who developed Florida's Paraprofessionals as Teachers Program -- an innovative curriculum that provides alternative routes to teacher certification for support professionals -- says that today, "most school districts in America are developing comprehensive plans to provide professional development for paraprofessionals because they know they can't afford to lose these employees."
"Put simply, the paraprofessionals are the people who know the kids and the climate of the school," she adds. Not only do they already have hands-on classroom experience, but "paraeducators also offer ethnic diversity and a level of maturity that directly benefits school districts. And because they are already a part of the community and local schools, they are unlikely to move away or flee the teaching profession."
"Put simply, the paraprofessionals are the people who know the kids and the climate of the school," she adds. Not only do they already have hands-on classroom experience, but "paraeducators also offer ethnic diversity and a level of maturity that directly benefits school districts. And because they are already a part of the community and local schools, they are unlikely to move away or flee the teaching profession."
Gwenda
WHO IS YOUR TERRY Gwenda
Gwenda
Gwenda
Discuss how we aligned this to overall cost expected for members. How we started with $150 for books. Gwenda
Gwenda
ADD PROS AND CONS TO THIS Gwenda
Gwenda
Patty
Patty
Paraprofessionals play an increasingly prominent role in the support provided to students, yet few opportunities for PD
Patty
Mention workshops are grouped into Instruction, Credentialing, Classroom Management, SPED - Patty
Gwenda
Gwenda
Gwenda
Juan
Patty - https://all4ed.org/press/teacher-attrition-costs-united-states-up-to-2-2-billion-annually-says-new-alliance-report/ is a good link for teacher attrition stuff. This report puts the cost of teacher attrition in CA somewhere between $4,500 and $10,000 per teacher. The Learning Policy Institute (https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/the-cost-of-teacher-turnover) states that turnover can cost even more (upwards of $20,000 for an urban school district in CA).