Education paraprofessionals can now meet Minnesota requirements for No Child Left Behind by creating a Para eFolio which will translate requirements into competencies. The electronic portfolio will illustrate the paraprofessional skills while providing evidence of the accomplishments in designated competency areas.
eFolio Minnesota provides a web-based content management tool for this personalized multi-media portfolio. It also provides templates and wizards to assist students, workers, and educators with creating pertinent content.
According to Paul Wasko, the Minnesota Online director of e-services, "The users can start building their eFolio to meet the Minnesota paraprofessional core competencies with validation by their local district. These requirements translate into competencies through college courses, conference certification, observations/documentation, and transferable work experiences."
"This is an exciting opportunity for us to help the paraprofessional employee document their talents skills and abilities, this may assist them in meeting the requirements for NCLB, stated Barbara Stahl, Minnesota Department of Education staff development specialist for special education. The system is faster, cleaner, portable and allows us to move from a big paper system to a paperless system."
The Para eFolio will be demonstrated at this year's conference; "Building the Future - One Student at a Time". Held at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, the conference expects to attract more 1,100 participants from all over the nation, May 10, 11 and 12.
Education paraprofessional are district employees who primarily engage in direct instruction with one or more pupils for instructional activities, physical or behavior management, or other purposes under the direction of a regular education or special education teacher or related services provider.