Utah State University
Special Education 2010 is a 3 credit on-line course offered through Utah State University, Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation during Fall, Spring, and Summer* Semesters. The course, entitled Effective Behavior Management Practices for Paraeducators, teaches paraeducators and others working with children in school or other applied settings to use effective behavior management and effective instructional strategies.  Points of emphasis include introduction to proactive behavior management strategies, positive reinforcement procedures, and the implementation of interventions with children.  The course also emphasizes aspects of effective instruction (i.e., principles of effective instruction, academic and functional skill assessment, curriculum-based assessment, task analysis, portfolio assessment, presentation of new information, guided practice, independent practice, use of prompts and the gradual reduction of prompts, checking for independent responses).  The on-line course involves frequent opportunities to interact with the instructor and other students through group exercises and activity discussion boards.  Four application exercises require carrying out assignments in school or other applied settings while working with children.  For more information contact the instructor, Tammy Pettigrew, at tammyp@ext.usu.edu.

*excluding Summer 2007

Special Education 2150 is a 3 credit on-line course offered through Utah State University, Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation during Fall, Spring, and Summer* Semesters. The course, entitled Introductory Experience with Students with Disabilities, teaches paraeducators and others working with children in school or other applied settings to work effectively with students with disabilities in special or inclusive education classrooms.  The course addresses skills and knowledge related to interacting with students who have different characteristics, IEP participation, legislative mandates, ethical conduct, assistive technology, roles and responsibilities, and effective communication with students and IEP team members.  The on-line course involves frequent opportunities to interact with the instructor and other students through group exercises and activity discussion boards.  Application exercises require carrying out assignments in school or other applied settings while working with children.  For more information contact the instructor, Tammy Pettigrew, at tammyp@ext.usu.edu.

*excluding Summer 2007

Weber State University TAPT Program

The school district, in cooperation with Weber State University, is
accepting applications
from individuals in working toward teacher licensure with an emphasis in
teaching the
school district’s limited English/non-English speaking, Special
Education and Early
Childhood populations. Those persons who are accepted into the program
will receive
scholarships and/or financial aid to offset tuition. Individuals will be
allowed to take 6
credits per semester up to 18 semester hours per year. Individuals
interested in applying,
and who meet the specific qualifications identified by the funding
sources as outlined below
should contact:
1. the identified district person; or
2. the TAPT Director at WSU (801) 626-7125
immediately for a TAPT application.
3. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE BY MAY 11.

Specific qualifications:
• complete a TAPT program application
• submit two statements of recommendation
• submit a copy of a high school diploma or equivalent
• meet Weber State University admission standards
• show a willingness to work with ethnic and/or linguistic backgrounds
that are
different than one’s own or mirrors one’s own background
• enroll for and successfully complete up to 18 semester hours of course
work
per academic year (12 hours year one)
• submit applications for scholarships and / or financial aid each year
• register for courses leading to teacher licensure with ESL or
Bilingual endorsement
or concentration; Early Childhood, or Special Education.
• submit evidence of employment or volunteer experience with a local
school
district, as required in TAPT policies
• commit to attend ALL TAPT training sessions
• submit a recommendation from district level administration

Davis Applied Technology College (DATC) Paraeducator Certificate of Proficiency
This program is designed to train instructional aides to work effectively with children in a variety of school settings including regular education, special education, prep time positions, ESL programs, and Title I tutoring.  The coursework is open-entry; students attend class at DATC, but work at their own pace through the curriculum.  At the end of the training, students are evaluated in an externship placement, similar to student teaching.   In November 2003, the Utah State Board of Education approved the DATC Paraeducator Certificate of Proficiency as a “rigorous assessment” under No Child Left Behind.  This means students who successfully complete the certificate qualify for employment in Title I (federally-funded) schools.

At $1.35 per seat hour, tuition is very affordable at DATC.  Financial aid and scholarships are available. Coming to DATC is easy – classes are held 7:40 am to 2:30 pm and you set your own schedule. 

DATC is located in Kaysville at 550 East 300 South. For more information, visit our website, www.datc.edu Click on Programs Offered, Service Professions, Paraeducator.  Or you may call or email the instructor, Michele Friz, at (801) 593-2514, michele.friz@datc.edu. 

Salt Lake City Community College
The Paraeducation program is designed to prepare students to work as paraeducators in public school districts under the direction of certified classroom educators. Paraeducators may assist classroom teachers by providing instructional support to students receiving specialized services (Title I and/or special education) in K-12 classrooms. Students can earn either a certificate of completion, or an Associate of Science degree, via distance education or attending regular classes on campus

Utah Personnel Development Center (UPDC)
The purpose of the Utah Personnel Development Center is to respond to statewide personnel development needs as identified by the Utah Special Education Consortium for students with disabilities.

The UPDC serves educators, regular educators, paraeducators, parents, administrators, ancillary personnel and students with disabilities from all 40 school districts, State Operated Programs, Utah Parent Center,and Institutes of Higher Education. Training and services can be arranged through the Special Education Director of each district with individual Personnel Development Plans (PDPs) for each agency.