Instructional Assistant

The classification specification does not describe all duties performed by the incumbent in the class. This summary provides examples of typical tasks performed in this classification.

·Tutor individual or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher; monitor and oversee student drills, practices, and assignments. E
·Perform a variety of clerical duties such as preparing, typing, and duplicating instructional materials, scoring papers, and recording grades; maintain student files as assigned. E
·Provide support to the teacher by setting up work areas, bulletin boards, and displays, operating audio-visual equipment, distributing and collecting paper, supplies, and materials, and typing various materials. E
·Administer, monitor, and score a variety of tests and assignments; rephrase materials and explain instructions and words. E
·Observe and control the behavior of students according to approved procedures; assist in resolving disputes between students; report progress regarding student performance, achievement, and behavior. E
·Operate a variety of office, instructional, and audio visual equipment as assigned. E
·Assist in monitoring students during recess and other activities as assigned; accompany students on field trips, to bus stops, restrooms, offices, and other locations as needed. E
·Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures.
·Assist the teacher with parent contacts as needed.
·Perform related duties as assigned.

Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an italicized "E" which identifies essential duties required of the classification. This is strictly for use in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Instructional Assistant provides paraprofessional assistance to teachers and students in a K-12 classroom environment.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:
Child guidance principles and practices.
Basic subjects taught in District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language, and reading.
Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
Basic instructional methods and techniques.
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
Oral and written communication skills.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
Basic record-keeping techniques.
Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.
Operation of office, instructional and audiovisual equipment.

ABILITY TO:
Assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom, program, or assigned learning environment.
Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of students as directed by the teacher.
Print and write legibly.
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and accurately.
Understand and follow oral and written directions.
Learn the procedures, functions, and limitations of assigned duties.
Communicate effectively with children and adults.
Read, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Supervise and maintain student discipline students according to approved policies and procedures.
Operate office, instructional and audiovisual equipment.Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and one year of experience working with children in an organized setting.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Consistent with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002 and other related legislation, candidates for this classification will be required to obtain a passing score on a special examination. Administered by the Personnel Commission, this exam requires that candidates meet a rigorous standard of quality through a formal academic assessment, including knowledge of and ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics; or knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.WORKING CONDITIONS

ENVIRONMENT:
Classroom environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
Seeing to read a variety of materials.
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a typewriter or computer keyboard.
Bending at the waist, kneeling, or crouching to assist students.
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

Persons with certain disabilities may be capable of performing the essential duties of this class with or without reasonable accommodation, depending on the nature of the disability.

APPOINTMENT

In accordance with Education Code Section 45301, an employee appointed to this class must serve a probationary period of six (6) months during which time an employee must demonstrate at least an overall satisfactory performance. Failure to do so shall result in the employee's termination.