Instructional Aide - Special Education

INSTRUCTIONAL AIDE SPECIAL EDUCATION

DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs a variety of instructional and routine clerical duties designed to free the instructor from routine work related to the program; and performs related work as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Positions in this class are established principally to relieve teachers of certain instructional tasks and routine details. Incumbents perform their tasks with initiative and independent judgment within a limited number of standardized procedures. In addition to, or in lieu of, classroom assignments, incumbents may be assigned to learning or resource centers and special learning programs, or to handle routine details of program implementation Incumbents of some positions are assigned to a student for one-on-one instruction, transporting student to and from school, and accompanying and tutoring student during course of day. The duties below are representative of the collective duties of positions in this class; however, no one position will normally perform all of these duties. Incumbents are assigned to a teacher or administrator of a special education program and may assist in the Migrant Education program.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Listens to, tutors, and drills individual students, and/or groups of students in reading, language, mathematics, and other subjects according to instructions and guidance from a teacher. E

Works with individuals, small groups, or entire class in presenting routine instructional materials. E

Supervises activities of students in the classroom or learning center, on field trips, and during fire and earthquake drills. E

Researches and prepares instructional and motivational materials such as vocabulary lists, worksheets, awards, and displays. E

Administers and scores tests; corrects and scores classroom and homework assignments; and records grades. E

Composes letters and notices; types and/or duplicates a variety of instructional, motivational, and informational materials as assigned. E

Assists in the loading and unloading of students from buses and the transferring of students to and from classrooms and events and rides busses. E

Observes progress and behavior of students and confers with teacher(s) accordingly. E

Answers the telephone and takes messages. E

Maintains routine informational and operational records. E

Assembles and distributes packets of informational material. E

Takes roll and maintains attendance records. E

Attends school and district in service meetings. E

Works with students in special programs as assigned. E

Assists in the maintenance of classroom discipline. E

Contacts parents regarding students' progress, behavior, and problems or needs as assigned. E

Assists parent volunteers in the classroom. E

Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:
General needs and behavior of high school students;

Motivational techniques;

General aims and purposes of a special education program;

District and school policies and procedures;

Modern office equipment and procedures;

English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation;

Basic math, library, research, reading, and composition skills;

Simple record keeping; and

General principles of supervision and training.

Ability to:
Understand the needs of and possess a genuine liking for high school students;

Converse and deal tactfully and effectively with students/parents in sometimes stressful situations;

Use good judgment in exercising initiative in performance of duties and recognizing scope of authority;

Communicate effectively with students, parents, teachers, and other staff members;

Read and understand pertinent information, procedures, and functions quickly and apply them without immediate supervision;

Operate office equipment and computer;

Determine sensitivity and confidentiality of information and communications and retain that confidentiality;

Maintain simple records;

Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;

Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and

Perform simple and repetitive tasks.

EDUCATION
Individuals possessing the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above are considered to possess the necessary education. Post secondary education is desirable.

EXPERIENCE
Some experience working with high school students.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment:
Diversified special education classroom environment.

Physical Abilities:
Seeing to monitor students during classroom activities; hearing and speaking to exchange information and provide assistance to students; bending at the waist; walking and standing for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment or office equipment.


E = Essential job functions