NPC NPC Communication & Collaboration Skills 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a paraprofessional communicates with a supervising teacher about a student's progress, which approach is most professional?
- Share personal opinions about the student's family
- Use clear, factual, and objective language focused on observed behaviors (Correct answer)
- Discuss the student's issues loudly in the hallway
- Wait until a problem becomes serious before reporting it
Correct answer: Use clear, factual, and objective language focused on observed behaviors
Professional communication requires objectivity and factual description of observed behaviors, avoiding personal judgments or assumptions.
Question 2: Active listening in a school setting means:
- Nodding occasionally while thinking about other tasks
- Fully concentrating, understanding, and responding thoughtfully to what is being said (Correct answer)
- Interrupting the speaker to show engagement
- Only listening to what you find interesting
Correct answer: Fully concentrating, understanding, and responding thoughtfully to what is being said
Active listening involves full attention to the speaker, processing the message, and responding in ways that show understanding and respect.
Question 3: A parent approaches a paraprofessional with concerns about their child. The best initial response is to:
- Tell the parent their concerns are not valid
- Listen respectfully and direct them to the appropriate teacher or administrator (Correct answer)
- Promise to resolve the issue immediately without consulting anyone
- Ignore the parent and continue with assigned duties
Correct answer: Listen respectfully and direct them to the appropriate teacher or administrator
Paraprofessionals should acknowledge parental concerns, listen respectfully, and direct families to the licensed professional (teacher or administrator) best positioned to address them.
Question 4: Which communication style is most appropriate when a paraprofessional disagrees with a teacher's instructional decision?
- Openly complain about it to other staff in the break room
- Refuse to implement the instruction until it is changed
- Schedule a private, respectful conversation with the teacher to express concerns (Correct answer)
- Send an anonymous note to the principal
Correct answer: Schedule a private, respectful conversation with the teacher to express concerns
Professional disagreements should be addressed directly and privately with the relevant colleague in a respectful, solution-oriented manner.
Question 5: Non-verbal communication includes:
- Only spoken words and volume
- Body language, facial expressions, gestures, and eye contact (Correct answer)
- Written notes and emails
- Only tone of voice
Correct answer: Body language, facial expressions, gestures, and eye contact
Non-verbal communication encompasses all messages conveyed without words, including posture, facial expressions, gestures, proximity, and eye contact.
Question 6: When writing notes or documentation about a student, a paraprofessional should:
- Include personal interpretations and feelings about the student
- Use objective, behavioral language and avoid labeling (Correct answer)
- Share the notes freely with all school staff
- Write lengthy narratives with assumptions about home life
Correct answer: Use objective, behavioral language and avoid labeling
Documentation should describe observable behaviors objectively, using specific language that avoids diagnostic labels or subjective judgments.
NPC NPC Communication & Collaboration Skills 1
When a paraprofessional communicates with a supervising teacher about a student's progress, which approach is most professional?