National Skill Standards for Teacher Assistants
The Education and Training Voluntary Partnership (ETVP) under the Nat'l Skill Standards Board has developed Skill Standards for Frontline Workers in Education and Training: Paraprofessionals, Paraeducators, Teacher Assistants, Education Assistants, and Child Care Workers Working in General Education, Special Education and Early Childhood Care and Education. The ETVP is a coalition of over 150 organizations. Its Decision Council includes Am. Asso. of Classified School Employees, Am. Asso. Of Community Colleges, Am. Federation of School Administrators, Am. Federation of Teachers, Am. Society for Training and Development, Career College Association, General Motors, Marriott International, Nat'l Asso. for Bilingual Education, Nat'l Asso. Of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium, Nat'l Child Care Asso., Nat'l Education Asso., and Nat'l School Boards Asso.
The Skill Standards describe knowledge, skills and competent performance based on successful performers in high performance organizations (NOT entry level). They were designed for use in developing pre- and in-service training, job descriptions and job evaluations. Standards include (1) critical work functions and key activities (major responsibilities), (2) performance indicators (measures of competence), and (3) knowledge and skills (academic, e.g., reading, math; employability, e.g., teamwork, decision making; occupational and technical, e.g., specific job knowledge). Critical work function areas relate to assisting the teacher with: (1) instruction, (2) classroom planning and administration, (3) student behavior, (4) safe learning environment, (5) liaison with family, parent and community, (6) curriculum based on child's individual needs, (7) physical needs of child, (8) nurturing and social and emotional development, (9) communication with family, (10) recording keeping and documentation, (11) safe and healthy age-appropriate environment, (12) professional development, (13) IEPs, (14) safety and physical needs, and (15) advocacy for students with special needs.
For a copy of the standards or more information, visit etvp.org.
