Learning Assistants

CONCEPT

They are curriculum learning support for the students – 1 adult per 2 rooms, trained by teachers
Predominantly there to support students and teachers in reading, writing and maths
Teacher is still the professional so planning, teacher, reporting an interaction with parents is their responsibility
10–15 hours per week for Year 1-6 (Monday-Thursday)
Basically there for a time period in first 2 blocks

RATIONALE

Potentially as year progresses the teacher and teaching / learning time increases
Another pair of eyes and ears
A person with talents, resources and knowledge to tap into
Consistency in room and communication of programme if reliever used
Teachers can test and keep the programme going with a learning assistant
Professional development opportunities – e-learning, PE, reading, writing, maths
COSMDBRICs, Lexia and other intervention programmes could happen with students in all rooms
Opportunities for immediate feedback if being observed, (can be done in the room at the time)
Greater collaboration with staff and parents – also as classrooms move to be more collaborative, it is a positive stepping stone
Potentially also helping parents – in terms of having a job, securing a job (maybe in teaching) and also as a resource to their children and others in the community around them