Decision-Making Model for Natural Supports and/or Supplementary Aides or Services.
Decision-Making Model Form (12KB / 2 pages)
Districts and related programs should establish local guidelines/policy and practice related to how decisions are made for the assignment of teacher assistants. These should reflect state legal requirements and guidelines as described in the Effective Use of Teacher Assistants - A Module for Policy and Practice Development. This module is available on the teacher assistant website on the Resources webpage.
As described in this module, teacher assistant assignment should also reflect program considerations to ensure that teacher assistants are used effectively to meet student needs. The module describes a variety of resources for use in this regard including a Decision-Making Model for Natural Supports and/or Supplementary Aides or Services. This model is presented as a form for use in determining a student's need for natural supports and/or supplementary aides or services that may or may not include teacher assistant assignment. The decision-making process starts with the individual need of the student and builds from there. This model can be used: (1) as part of IEP development for a student with a disability or (2) in decision-making about any student with special learning or behavioral needs - whether or not he or she has a disability.
