Education - Paraprofessional Instructional Assistant
OCCUPATIONAL MAJOR
Curriculum Code No. 2034
This major is primarily designed for job preparedness. Students who are considering transferring to a four-year college should be aware that decisions on transferability of courses are made by the four-year colleges and differ from school to school. Students should contact the Transfer Services Office early in their academic program to determine which courses will transfer to the college of their choice.
Department of Social & Behavioral Science
Founders 210A • Phone (215) 968-8270
Leading to the Associate of Arts degree and a certificate of competency, this major prepares students to work effectively as instructional assistants in public and private schools in Pennsylvania.
Graduates prepare to assist teachers in instructional activities including implementing lessons under the supervision of the teacher, providing adaptations and accommodations for students with learning differences lessons as directed by the teacher, monitoring of student progress, and checking assignments and homework.
Graduates of this program are able to
- implement a lesson under the supervision of the teacher.
- describe modifications and accommodations to instruction for students with learning differences to accomplish instructional objectives;
- demonstrate professional behavior when working with students, co-workers, and families; and
- apply strategies as directed to facilitate effective integration of students with learning differences into various settings.
Degree Course Requirements
| COMM110 | Effective Speaking E,3 | 3 |
| COMP110 | English Composition I A,E,1 | 3 |
| COMP111 | English Composition II E,2 | 3 |
| EDUC100 | Foundations of Education | 3 |
| EDUC115 | Observing and Recording the Behavior of Young Children F,G | 3 |
| EDUC150 | Science and Math Experiences for Young Children F,G | 3 |
| EDUC160 | Introduction to Exceptionalities F,G | 3 |
| EDUC170 | Language Development F,G | 3 |
| EDUC175 | Families, Schools and Communities | 3 |
| EDUC220 | Practicum in Education E,F,G | 6 |
| LITR246 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| MATH102 | Mathematical Concepts II A,E,5 | 3 |
| PSYC110 | Introduction to Psychology 6 | 3 |
| PSYC180 | Human Growth and Development E | 3 |
| PSYC190 | Educational Psychology E | 3 |
| Cultural Perspectives B | 3 | |
| Personal Health Elective 4 | 3 | |
| Elective D | 3 | |
| INTG285 | Integration of Knowledge C,E,7 | 3 |
| 60 |
Recommended Semester Sequence
The recommended course sequence is designed for full-time students who average 15 credit hours per semester. Students may need more time to complete major requirements based on placement testing. This additional time will entail some adjustments to the sequence recommended.
| First Semester | ||
| COMM110 | Effective Speaking E,3 | 3 |
| COMP110 | English Composition I A,E,1 | 3 |
| EDUC100 | Foundations of Education | 3 |
| Personal Health Elective 4 | 3 | |
| PSYC110 | Introduction to Psychology 6 | 3 |
| 15 | ||
| Second Semester | ||
| COMP111 | English Composition II E,2 | 3 |
| EDUC115 | Observing and Recording the Behavior of Young Children F,G | 3 |
| MATH102 | Mathematical Concepts II A,E,5 | 3 |
| PSYC180 | Human Growth and Development E | 3 |
| EDUC150 | Science and Math Experiences for Young Children F,G | 3 |
| 15 | ||
| Third Semester | ||
| EDUC160 | Introduction to Exceptionalities F,G | 3 |
| EDUC170 | Language Development F,G | 3 |
| LITR246 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| PSYC190 | Educational Psychology E | 3 |
| Cultural Perspectives B | 3 | |
| 15 | ||
| Fourth Semester | ||
| EDUC175 | Families, Schools and Communities | 3 |
| EDUC220 | Practicum in Education E,F,G | 6 |
| INTG285 | Integration of Knowledge C,E,7 | 3 |
| Electives D | 3 | |
| 15 |
A Placement testing required.
B Consult the list of courses approved for this subcategory. Any course may be chosen.
C Any INTG course may be chosen.
D Pre-college level courses do not meet this requirement.
E Course requires prerequisite.
F Course requires field experience
G Course requires PA clearances
1 Satisfies College Writing Level I.
2 Satisfies College Writing Level II.
3 Satisfies Creative Expression.
4 Satisfies Personal Health.
5 Satisfies College level Mathematics or Science.
6 Satisfies Social Perspectives.
7 Satisfies Writing Intensive requirement.
Students who do not seek the Associate of Arts Degree may earn the legend, "Major Requirements Satisfied", on their transcripts by successfully completing all the courses listed in the major except LITR246, PSYC110, three credits in art or music, three credits in integration of knowledge and six credits of electives. Credits exceeding the required minimum cannot be used to satisfy credits in other course requirements.
