The OPEPP model is built upon the Council for Exceptional Children’s Core Competencies for Paraprofessional Preparation, which underscore the significance of paraprofessional educators’ contribution to effective instruction.
OPEPP offers online learning modules, technical assistance and professional development packages, and online resources and support. These products and services offer a coherent set of training and resources designed to help teachers and paraprofessional educators respond to the complex demands of their core responsibilities.
Paraprofessionals serve an essential function as part of instructional teams positioned to support the delivery of high-quality instruction to all students and thereby improve their learning opportunities and outcomes. With these goals in view, OPEPP focuses on three priority areas:
Service Delivery Redesign and Technical Assistance
Customized technical assistance and consultation to support district and school teams in analyzing existing service delivery approaches and aligning the use of instructional personnel, including paraprofessionals, with district and school priorities for improving instruction and learning for all students.
Services include:
- Orientation to the OPEPP model for district teams
- Creation of tailored TA package
- Facilitated district audit and needs assessment
- Focus groups, online surveys, and customized reports
Online and Face-to-Face Learning
Customized online and face-to-face professional learning for educators, and opportunities for district and school-based teams to learn from experts and from each other through varied learning and networking opportunities designed to improve instruction and learning for all students.
Services include:
- Creation of tailored professional development package
- Evidence-based Instructional Series
- English Learner Series
- Facilitated webinars
Access to Information, Resources, and Support
Access to research-based, self-paced learning modules and related resources for educators on a variety of topics relevant to district and school use of personnel, including paraprofessionals and teacher-para teams, designed to improve instruction for all students.
Services include:
- On-demand webinars
- Digital and print learning resources
- English Learner Toolkit