Collaborative Classrooms: Harnessing the Power of Paraprofessionals as Data Collectors
Paras wear MANY hats and are genuine superheroes in the classroom. One of the most helpful, amazing, and practical ways that they help is by collecting and recording data.
In my classroom, each learner possesses a designated file folder serving as the archive for their submitted assignments. My paraprofessionals retrieve the work from these folders, undertake the grading process, and swiftly complete a Google Form tailored to document and track the individual goals of each student. They find this on my data collection links hub, linked here and pictured below.
Now, not every assignment I hand out to students falls under the category of “goal work.” Within these folders, you’ll find a variety of tasks including class work, goal-oriented assignments, and even busy work, among others. However, my teaching assistants will review the student goals outlined in the Google Form to decide if an assignment aligns with a specific student’s objectives. If an assignment does not align with a specific learning goal, we typically grade it and give it back to the students.
How does using paras as data collectors help me as a classroom teacher? The information that my paras input goes into a Google spreadsheet, where I have a tab for each child. When filling out progress reports, I can quickly glance, see a percentage for each goal, and promptly report on that student’s progress.
This not only helps me be a data-driven teacher but allows both of my paras to be involved in the teaching and learning process.
Finding a data collection system that works for you can be a game changer for classroom effectiveness and data-lead instruction. Harness the power of your amazing paraprofessionals, and use any of the templates below to get started!
- Printable and Editable Data Collecting Sheets: Student Goal Book
- IEP Goal Progress Tracker: Collaborative Spreadsheet for Special Education
- Data Collection Links
Or, Follow us on Teachers Pay Teachers for more Special Education Content!
