Helping Students Do Math
(Self-Paced MODULE)
Introduction to the Module
This module is designed for paraprofessional educators who wish to find out more about math and how to help students learn to do math. It covers a range of topics relating to math instruction. It presents these topics in enough depth to enable a paraprofessional to gain confidence about offering math instruction under the guidance of a teacher.
There are 11 units. Each includes a variety of learning activities:
Make real life connections… through scenarios and reflective exercises.
READ… an overview that summarizes the major ideas presented in the unit
WATCH… a slideshow that presents relevant information in a varied format.
ENGAGE… with specific content that supports and strengthens your understanding.
Get introduced to relevant online resources… many of the units also include documents providing links to relevant on-line resources.
The Core Competencies for Special Education Paraeducators from the Council of Exceptional Children (CEC) provide a structured framework for ensuring that paraeducators are adequately prepared to support students with disabilities in various educational settings. By focusing on the four key areas of collaboration, assessment, social/emotional/behavioral development, and instruction, these competencies align with the High Leverage Practices (HLPs) for special educators. These practices are critical for fostering effective, inclusive educational experiences for all students.
By completing the module, Helping Students do Math, paraeducators will work towards the core competency of instruction and assessment and collaboration improving their skills and knowledge as they learn how to work closely with teachers, administrators, students, parents, and related services personnel to implement and fade individualized supports for students. The educators should ensure that the paraeducator understands the specific evidence based supports required to meet the needs of students with disabilities and support the child’s need to increase their independence which can be achieved through the fading of adult support. The following core competencies are used as the base of this module.
| K 5.1 | Concepts of differentiated instruction, accommodations, modifications, High Leverage Practices, specially designed instruction |
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| K 5.2 | Instructional strategies and instructional technology to support the individual student’s learning |
| S 5.1 | Demonstrate proficiency in academics including oral and written communication, literacy, and mathematical skills appropriate to the job assignment |
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| S 5.5 | Review and reinforce learning activities, essential concepts, and modified content as directed by the instructional team |
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| S 5.4 | Support the use of effective and culturally responsive instructional strategies in literacy and mathematics as directed by the instructional team |
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Time to Complete in Full: Approximately 7 hours
This Module has 11 units and 61 lessons on a variety of topics organized by subheadings that all connect to what paraeducators need to know.
We suggest that it would be best for paraeducators and educators (who support them) to complete this module in tandem.
Some OPEPP partnering districts create professional learning communities (PLCs) where paraeducators meet up regularly to share what they have learned from the OPEPP modules. This is a productive practice that has increased para engagement in their professional development.
Your team of educators can use the reflections after each unit to summarize your learning and ideas and come together to grow in your understanding of best practices.