NPC NPC Communication & Collaboration Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Collaborative teaming between paraprofessionals, teachers, and specialists is most effective when:
- Each person works entirely independently on separate goals
- Roles, responsibilities, and student goals are clearly communicated and shared (Correct answer)
- The paraprofessional only does what is asked without any input
- Meetings are avoided to save time
Correct answer: Roles, responsibilities, and student goals are clearly communicated and shared
Effective collaborative teams establish clear roles, share information about student needs, and coordinate efforts toward common goals.
Question 2: What is the purpose of an IEP meeting, and what is the paraprofessional's typical role?
- To discipline the student; paraprofessional leads the meeting
- To legally document a student's special education plan; paraprofessional may attend and provide observational input (Correct answer)
- To test the student's academic skills; paraprofessional administers all tests
- To negotiate salary; paraprofessional is the main decision-maker
Correct answer: To legally document a student's special education plan; paraprofessional may attend and provide observational input
An IEP meeting brings together the team (parents, teachers, specialists, administrators) to develop or review a student's Individualized Education Program; paraprofessionals may contribute observational data.
Question 3: A student uses an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. A paraprofessional's role includes:
- Discouraging use of the device to promote verbal speech
- Supporting and encouraging the student's use of the device as their communication method (Correct answer)
- Replacing the device with hand signals
- Ignoring the device and asking the student to speak verbally
Correct answer: Supporting and encouraging the student's use of the device as their communication method
AAC devices are legitimate and important communication tools; paraprofessionals must support their use and help integrate them into all classroom activities.
Question 4: When collaborating with a speech-language pathologist (SLP), a paraprofessional should:
- Implement strategies independently without consulting the SLP
- Follow the SLP's guidance, carry out recommended strategies consistently, and report observations back (Correct answer)
- Replace the SLP's sessions with paraprofessional-led therapy
- Avoid working with speech students to prevent confusion
Correct answer: Follow the SLP's guidance, carry out recommended strategies consistently, and report observations back
Paraprofessionals extend the work of specialists by consistently applying recommended strategies and providing feedback that informs the specialist's planning.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of a communication barrier a paraprofessional should be aware of?
- Speaking clearly and at an appropriate pace
- Using too much jargon or technical language with a parent who may not understand it (Correct answer)
- Making eye contact during conversation
- Listening without interrupting
Correct answer: Using too much jargon or technical language with a parent who may not understand it
Using professional jargon or acronyms with families who are unfamiliar with educational terminology can create confusion and hinder effective communication.
Question 6: A paraprofessional overhears a colleague make an inappropriate comment about a student. The best response is to:
- Laugh along to avoid conflict
- Ignore it and assume it was a joke
- Address it professionally in private or report it to a supervisor (Correct answer)
- Post about it on social media
Correct answer: Address it professionally in private or report it to a supervisor
All school staff are responsible for maintaining a respectful environment; inappropriate comments about students must be addressed, either directly or through proper reporting channels.
NPC NPC Communication & Collaboration Skills 2
Collaborative teaming between paraprofessionals, teachers, and specialists is most effective when: