Overview

Professional development for Instructional Assistants continues as long as the IA is employed at The Bridge School and ranges from intensive training at the outset to opportunities to participate in conferences and workshops related to augmentative and alternative communication, education and assistive technology as they continue their employment.

Intensive Training

The Instructional Assistant receives intensive training in critical areas prior to interacting with students. This is to ensure the health and safety of the students and the Instructional Assistant and to provide a level of comfort for the IA in performing their job responsibilities. The training is provided by existing staff and consultants.

Shadowing

The next step in the process is for the Instructional Assistant to spend a period of time observing or shadowing an experienced staff person performing the duties the Instructional Assistant will be expected to master. During this step, the Instructional Assistant is given ample opportunity to question the experienced staff as to process and procedures and to ask for clarification when there is any confusion as to the completion of the task.

Modeling

Once the Instructional Assistant has had an opportunity to see the task performed by an experienced staff member, they begin performing portions of the assigned task with the seasoned employee providing a model of the correct procedures as necessary.

Supported Implementation

During this process, the Instructional Assistant takes more and more of the responsibility of performing the task, but under the close supervision of an experienced staff member.

Self-determined Competency

Once the new Instructional Assistant, in consultation with the experienced staff member, determines that they are confident that they can perform the task without close supervision, they sign a form indicating that they have received sufficient training and coaching to perform the task independently.

On-going Professional Development

This aspect of training extends to the entire staff at The Bridge School. New topics are explored, old subjects are reexamined; and fresh ideas and approaches to education and communication are considered as we consistently seek to improve. This is achieved through conferences, workshops, outside consultants, and internal presentations. We are quick to take advantage of content delivered via technology as it affords a quick and cost effective way to further our skills and knowledge base.

Regular Self-assessment and Supervisor Evaluation

Instructional Assistants are required to conduct self-assessments on a regular basis. When they conduct an activity, they can be videoed taped for the purpose of self-assessment. Classroom staff and administrators provide formative and summative feedback on the Instructional Assistant's performance. The Instructional Assistant can also ask for feedback at any time.

Formative Feedback on Training Program and Modifications as Necessary

The training needs of the staff change as their skill and knowledge base expands. An important component of the training process is asking for formative feedback and making changes in the program based on this information. One key to effective training is flexibility and responsiveness to the participants.