Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Special Education Practice Exam

What is the role of a paraprofessional in the classroom?

1. To serve as the primary teacher

2. To work independently with students

3. To assist the classroom teacher in the educational process

4. To develop the curriculum

The correct answer is: To assist the classroom teacher in the educational process

The role of a paraprofessional in the classroom is primarily to assist the classroom teacher in the educational process. Paraprofessionals are trained to support the learning experience by helping to implement instructional tasks, facilitating classroom activities, and providing support to individual students or small groups. Their work often includes helping students understand assigned tasks, providing additional instructional support, and reinforcing learning objectives set by the teacher. This collaborative approach allows the classroom teacher to focus on delivering the curriculum while ensuring that students receive the necessary support for their educational needs. Paraprofessionals are integral team members who enhance the overall classroom environment and contribute to differentiated instruction tailored to students' varying abilities. In this context, other options do not align with the actual responsibilities of a paraprofessional. For instance, serving as the primary teacher is not within the typical scope of a paraprofessional's role, as that responsibility rests with the classroom teacher. While they may work with students independently on tasks, their work is generally guided by the teacher and intended to complement rather than replace the teacher’s instruction. Developing the curriculum is also outside their designated duties; this task is reserved for educators who possess the qualifications and expertise required for curriculum design. Thus, the supportive role of a paraprofessional