Responding to the requirements of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), the LCIRT has developed a series of courses in conjunction with several school districts in Vermont, designed to meet the needs of para-educators to become "highly qualified".

These courses can be offered on-site at your school or another location, at times and dates meant to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals and can be adapted to meet other state standards.

Each course runs for 15 hours, assists para-educators in assembling a portfolio to document their competencies, and offers undergraduate credits through Landmark College's Continuing Education division. Contact LCIRT to schedule a course at your school.

Supporting Reading

This course reviews the components of reading instruction so that participants can be more effective in helping students who have difficulty learning to read. It examines the stages of reading development and covers the role of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension instruction in a balanced reading program.

Supporting Writing

This course focuses on understanding the Writing Process as taught in local schools, with an emphasis on developing strategies to support students at each stage in the writing process. Participants will also learn grade-appropriate standards for grammar, usage, and mechanics, and how to assist students in meeting those standards, as well as understanding criteria for judging the effectiveness of student writing.

Supporting Math

Participants will review the range of math terminology and concepts that are covered in public school programs, so they can best support students who experience diffi culty in this subject. Topics include: arithmetic, numbers, and operations; functions and algebra; geometry and measurement; probability and statistics; and math problem-solving and reasoning.

Child Development

Although each of the 4 courses covers effective ways to interact with students, this course focuses on understanding the stages of child development and how they relate to effective classroom strategies for managing both individual and group behavior. Case studies will be used to give practical instruction in how to guide student behaviors.

For additional information, please call, write or email us at:

Landmark College Institute for Research and Training
River Road South
Putney, VT 05346
(802)387-1662
institute@landmark.edu