Individual Learning
Differences
Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN)
February 12, 2008
Special Education Paraeducator Credential of Competency
Standard # 3
Local Policy
Your local district’s policies regarding Para educator job descriptions, duties, and responsibilities prove the final word!
Agenda
Learner Outcomes and Purpose of Training
Define own culture and beliefsDescribe basic cultural factors
influencing families that may assist or impede active involvement
Agenda
Explore Individual Learning Differences
Discuss Communication StylesRecognize Indicators of Abuse or
Neglect
Learner Outcomes
Participants will:Define own culture and beliefsDiscuss culture appreciationExamine how values and beliefs influence
interactions with othersDiscuss communication styles and their
effect on working with others
Learner Outcomes
Participants will:Describe basic cultural factors influencing
families that may assist or impede active involvement
Describe indicators of abuse or neglect.Recognize indicators of abuse and neglect
Cross-Cultural Competence:
the ability to feel and act in a respectful, comfortable way with others who come from different backgrounds; be it different social backgrounds, linguistic backgrounds, or cultural backgrounds
Culture and Beliefs
Cross-Cultural Competence:
is on-going because culture is dynamic, we meet different people everyday
the process of cross-cultural competence is a life-long voyage
Culture and Beliefs
CULTURE
A way of perceiving, believing, evaluating, and behaving
A framework that guides life’s practices
Is learned, shared, and is always changing
Culture and Beliefs
CULTURE
Way of life of a group of people
A shared world view– Values and beliefs– Roles and responsibilities– Standard of behavior– Preferences
Culture and Beliefs
CULTURE
Unique characteristicsSpecialized needsImplications for
– academic
– social– emotional
Culture and Beliefs
Interaction of Multiple Cultures
Culture of the FamilyCulture of the Program or
School SystemCulture of the Disability
Culture and Beliefs
STEREOTYPESOversimplified perceptions,
opinions, or beliefs regarding a person or group
Belief that all people from a particular group are the same
Individual Learning Differences
Stereotypes ActivityWhat stereotypes do we have
about children and adults who are blind or visually impaired?
What stereotypes do we have about children and adults with disabilities?
How do these stereotypes influence our expectations and instruction?
Individual Learning Differences
Teaching to all Learning stylesMotivational stylesStrengths and challenges of
each student
Individual Learning Differences
Develop relationships with families
Knowledge of individual students
Understanding of various disabilities
Individual Learning Differences
PARENTS’ PERSPECTIVE
Please remember to keep the “I” for “Individual” in IEP
Children are like snowflakesEach child learns differentlyEach learning disability affects each child
differently
Nonverbal CommunicationSilenceProximityTouchingEye contactEmotional expressivenessGestures
Communication Styles
Communication Styles
On the handout mark the “Communication Hooks” that bother you
Why are they bothersome?How do you respond when you
encounter them?
Communication Styles
Physical neglectPhysical abuseMental abuseSexual abuse or exploitation
Forms of Child Abuse
Child Abuse and Neglect
Physical Neglect Physical Characteristics Hungry or always tired. Frequent absences. Poor hygiene. Clothing is
inappropriate for weather conditions.
Behavioral Characteristics Lying or Stealing. Unresponsive. Doesn’t relate well to
others. Alcohol or other drug
abuse.
Indicators of Abuse and Neglect
Physical AbusePhysical Indicators
History of injuries
Head trauma, fractures, abdominal trauma, burns
Abnormal bruising
Behavioral Indicators• Self destructive• Withdrawn and/or
aggressive• Wears clothing
inappropriate to weather
• Wary of adult contact
Indicators of Abuse and Neglect
Mental AbusePhysical Indicators Child may seem afraid
of his/her parents. Parents may blame child
for all wrongdoing. Parents may give
contradictory or evasive information.
Child’s boundaries are violated.
Behavioral Indicators Extremes in behavior
May be inappropriately adult or infantile
Child may display antisocial or neurotic traits
Indicators of Abuse and Neglect
Sexual Abuse or ExploitationPhysical Indicators
Has difficulty walking or sitting.
Bruises or bleeding in genital area.
Torn, stained or bloody underclothing.
Venereal disease.
Behavioral Indicators Precocious sexual
knowledge. Verbal disclosure. Inappropriate sexual
behavior. Extra layers of clothing.
Indicators of Abuse or Neglect
Wrap Up
Participants will:Define own culture and beliefsDiscuss culture appreciationExamine how values and beliefs influence
interactions with othersDiscuss communication styles and their
effect on working with others
Wrap Up
Participants will:Describe basic cultural factors influencing
families that may assist or impede active involvement
Describe indicators of abuse or neglect.Recognize indicators of abuse and neglect
Upcoming Paraeducator Trainings
Videoconferences for 2007-2008
March 18, 2007 “Instructional Strategies” Standard #4
April 22, 2007 “Learning Environments and Social Interactions” Standard #5
Videoconferences are presented at sites across PA and are scheduled from 4:15 to 6:15.
Edward G. Rendell Gerald L. Zahorchak, D.Ed. Governor Secretary
Diane Castelbuono, Deputy SecretaryOffice of Elementary and Secondary Education
John J. Tommasini, DirectorBureau of Special Education
Bureau of Special EducationPennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network
Contact Information: Name of Consultant, Email addresswww.pattan.net
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