The knowledge and skill competencies describe the learning
objectives paraeducators should exhibit when working with students.
Competencies are associated with each of the standards written in WAC
179-07-030 and are in addition to
the knowledge and skill competencies written in WAC
179-07-040:
(1) Supporting instructional opportunities:
Knowledge competencies:
(a) Awareness of the
difference between social language and academic language;
(b) Awareness of the stages of second
language acquisition;
(c) Awareness
of Washington English language proficiency standards; and
(d) Awareness of Washington English language
proficiency levels.
(2)
Demonstrating professionalism and ethical practices: Knowledge competencies:
(a) Awareness of the legal rights of English
language learners;
(b) Awareness of
how to build a culturally and linguistically inclusive learning environment;
and
(c) Awareness of what
constitutes effective communication with English language learner families and
students and fosters respect among each other's cultural and linguistic
diversity.
(3)
Supporting a positive and safe learning environment:
(a) Knowledge competencies:
(i) Awareness of how to successfully support
culturally and linguistically diverse students entering into the public school
system; and
(ii) Awareness of
students' unique strengths and what value they bring to the
classroom.
(b) Skill
competencies:
(i) Assist with strategies and
techniques for facilitating the instruction of individuals with diverse
language learning needs in a variety of settings as specified by certificated
staff;
(ii) Assist in providing
culturally and age appropriate feedback to students; and
(iii) Assist with supporting individual
student needs by using appropriate strategies that are culturally responsive
and address diverse student background.
(4) Communicating effectively and
participating in the team process:
(a)
Knowledge competencies:
Awareness of appropriate and culturally responsive
communication strategies.
(b) Skill competencies:
(i) Ability to engage and communicate with
certificated staff to build a culturally and linguistically inclusive learning
environment;
(ii) Support effective
communication with culturally and linguistically diverse students, families,
communities, and team members in a professional and respectful manner;
and
(iii) Ability to engage in
appropriate culturally responsive strategies such as:
(A) Constructs of time;
(B) Verbal and nonverbal cues;
(C) Authority; and
(D) Relationship building.
(5)
Demonstrating cultural competency aligned with standards developed by the
professional educator standards board under
RCW
28A.410.270:
(a) Knowledge competencies:
Awareness of cultural and linguistic diversities and a
commitment to build on students' strength.
(b) Skill competencies:
Use culturally responsive communication skills (e.g., written,
verbal, and nonverbal).
Notes
Wash. Admin. Code
§
179-13-050
Adopted by
WSR
18-16-109, Filed 7/31/2018, effective
8/31/2018
