The Compass
The COMPASS is a comprehensive job embedded professional development curriculum developed specifically for paraprofessionals by the Capitol Region Education Council. The initiative highlights a series of modules aligned with the National Paraprofessional Standards (National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals) and is designed to enhance the paraprofessional’s skills in working with students in a variety of educational settings.
The training is comprehensive and includes five basic modules: Roles and Responsibilities, Communications, Managing Behaviors, Ethics and Legal Issues and Instructional Strategies. Districts are encouraged to choose and identify the paraprofessional module(s) that will best address their district’s unique training needs.
In addition to the basic modules, COMPASS has included eight advanced modules: Strategic Tutoring, Reading in the Elementary Classroom, Job Coaching, Exceptional Learners, Language Development, Teaching Students with Autism, Creating Independent Learners, and Advanced Instructional Strategies. ACES will offer the five basic modules as well as the following advanced modules: Exceptional Learners, Language Development, Teaching Students with Autism, Creating Independent Learners, and Advanced Instructional Strategies.
As accountability for student achievement rises, the role of the paraprofessional in assisting teachers/providers becomes more critical. Paraprofessionals are an integral part of building and maintaining learner-centered supportive environments. The curriculum is extensive and can be tailored to meet the individual needs of the district.
Scientific Research-Based Interventions
 Scientific Research-Based Interventions (SRBI) is Connecticut’s framework for Response to Intervention (RTI). According to Connecticut’s State Department of Education, “Scientific Research-Based Interventions emphasize successful instruction for all students through high-quality core general education practices, as well as targeted interventions for students experiencing learning, social-emotional, or behavioral difficulties. The focus of SRBI involves instruction and interventions in general education at the onset of concern about student performance.” The SDE sent the complete SRBI report to districts in September. For more information from SDE, including FAQs, click here.
SRBI is not a special education initiative. However, as of July 1, 2009, Connecticut’s state guidelines will no longer allow the use of an IQ-achievement discrepancy in determining learning disabilities. Data from SRBI, however, will be required as one component of a comprehensive student evaluation.
SRBI is also part of the State Department’s Connecticut Accountability for Learning Initiative. While CALI was originally designed for priority schools and districts, any district can access CALI training. For details about CALI, click here. For information about CALI and SRBI-related professional development, go here or contact Leslie Abbatiello or Emily Freel at ACES PDSI.
ACES Helps Students Through Open Choice
 Open Choice, committed to equity and opportunities for students, started in 1998 as one of the statewide responses to the Sheff-O’Neill lawsuit. Its goals include reducing racial, ethnic and economic isolation, and improving academic achievement.
ACES Open Choice staff currently supports over 50 students going into New Haven from the suburbs and over 400 students going into the suburbs from New Haven.
CSDE provides funding to schools receiving students in the Open Choice program and an ACES partnership with the New Haven Public Schools through a five year federal grant, provides additional financial incentives for recruiting and retaining Open Choice students.
Our longitudinal study of Open Choice students shows that 54% score at or above goal in CMT and CAPT scores (06-07) and over 90% of graduating seniors enroll in college. Students and families report high degrees of satisfaction with the quality of education provided to their children, despite the significant challenges of long bus rides and adapting to new social and learning environments.
For more information, contact: Lynn Bailey at lbailey@aces.org or (203) 498-6843.
Click here to read more information.
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ACES newest venture, Sleeping Giant Book & Toy Co., located at 2862 Whitney Avenue in Hamden, right off the Route 40 Connector, promotes early literacy through high quality children’s books and toys.
