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Fundamental Course of Study Workgroup

Workgroup

The Paraeducator Board is excited to announce the formation of this Paraeducator Fundamental Course of Study (FCS) Workgroup.

Background

Earlier this year, the Legislature passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1277 to improve upon the existing Paraeducator FCS program. This bill seeks to ensure that all Washington paraeducators receive high-quality training to prepare them to enter the classroom ready to serve students.

Overiew Document of ESHB 1277

Purpose

The Paraeducator Board will be working diligently to 1) update rules (WAC) related to the implementation of the FCS and 2) develop guidance for districts to support the provision of the FCS.

To facilitate this work, the Board has decided to bring together a diverse group of paraeducators to provide feedback and serve as thought leaders in this work. Through this workgroup, the Board will receive invaluable input from paraeducators and district administration to guide this critical policy work.

Specific topic for each meeting can be found here:

Meeting Date Resources
Orientation September 26, 2024 Orientation recording 
1- Content October 24, 2024 Overview of ESHB 1277 Document
2- Consistency November 21, 2024 Workgroup Session 2
3- Implementation December 12, 2024 Workgroup Session 3
4- Exemptions January 9, 2025 Workgroup Session 4

Workgroup results and recommendations were presented to the Paraeducator Board at the January 2025 Board Meeting.

Workgroup Membership

Name Role Region (by ESD)
Freedom Gassoway Behavior Tech with Special Education Elementary 189
Christopher Miller Director of Human Resources 105
Mario Mejia Program Paraeducator 113
Dawn Faughender Behavior Intervention Technician High School 101
Kim Van Atta Instructional Coach (responsible for implementation of Paraeducator Certificate Program) 121
Piper Burrs Lifeskills Paraeducator 123
Andrew Hickman Chief Executive of Content Development – Partner with PESB
Dawna Hansen-Murray Library Technician – Mentor to Paraeducators 113
Cheryl Pirozok Paraeducator special ed School to life 17-22 101
Sheryl Cassella Special Education Paraeducator 171
Teresa Jackson Teaching and Learning TOSA 189
Bay Knight Special Education Program Paraeducator 114
Liisa Preslan Paraeducator training thought partner
Sandy Gessner-Crabtree Assistant Superintendent of T&L Olympic ESD 114 114
Shannon Spurgeon Elementary Special Education Paraeducator 121
Janice Kennish Behavior Paraeducator for 22 years, Health Room Para for 3 years. Paraeducator Association President 15 years 113
Maria de la Luz Juarez Ventura Bilingual Para-Professional for 7 years with Kinder-5th grade 105
Andrea Quitevis Resource Instructional Paraeducator 114
Lori Jass Director, ESD-U (offering FCS courses) 112
Nigel P. Farr Classroom Paraeducator 121
Noelle Chun Program Manager, Professional Learning – Lake Washington 121
Otis Golden Recourse Special Education Para/SeattleEA Paraprofessional President 121
Corrinne Miles Paraeducator SPED Primary Resource Room Behavior 189
Michael Nerland Assistant Superintendent Teaching and Learning, ESD 112 112
Candice McGregor District Administrator for Para Prof Learning 121
Pamella (Pam) Johnson

Paraeducator (Academic & Behavioral Intervention Specialist)

*Paraeducator Board Chair

 113
Erin Kennedy Special Education 1:1 Paraeducator 112
Yelonda Wilke Special Education Paraeducator 101
Barb Schmitten Puyallup School District HR Staffing Manager 121
Brenda Quayle Lake Washington School District Human Resources 121

Note: Thank you for participating in the Fundamental Course of Study Workgroup. Please complete the FCS Workgroup Survey to receive compensation for your time participating in the workgroup. More information about the survey is available here.

We have also included a document outlining the impact this payment may have if you receive different types of benefits (e.g. SNAP/FAP,  Social Security, Child Support). If you have questions about your benefits, it is best to contact the agency or organization directly.

If you have any issues, questions, or concerns about the survey or community compensation, staff are available to help. Please feel free to contact us.

Questions

Questions about the work group? Contact: