I M-TOP (Idaho Maryland Training of Paraeducators)

This project tests viability of The PAR²A Center’s CO-TOP Model for establishment and use in other states. The project examines the modifications necessary to fit it into different types of state structures.

The IM-TOP project aligns Special Education Administrators, staff developers, teachers, related service providers, parents, and students from school districts with the State Education Agency and state institutions of higher education to seek ongoing solutions to the training of paraeducators in two very different states – Idaho and Maryland. It tests each tenet of the model in both rural, remote western settings and in urban and suburban settings in the east.

IM-TOP Update

Idaho

We have:

• Trained 158 trainers who are currently offering CO-TOP courses to paraeducators in several school districts.
• Conducted Interviews and surveys with Idaho trainers about their use of the CO-TOP Curriculum.
• Collected pre and post data from paraeducators on their perceptions of their knowledge before and after they attend a particular CO-TOP Course.

Maryland

We have:

• Trained 36 trainers
• Administered surveys to Maryland trainers about their use of the CO-TOP Curriculum.

Maryland local schools systems are currently outlining how they want to use the CO-TOP paraeducator training curriculum to meet their specific and unique needs.

For more information on the IM-TOP project email Nancy French or Ritu Chopra.