Paraeducator Training Resources, Inc. (PTR, Inc) offers consulting products and services training paraeducators. Our services and products feature the CO-TOP Model, the gold standard in paraeducator training and development. 

          What is CO-TOP?

The term CO-TOP is an acronym that stands for Comprehensive Training Opportunities for Paraeducators.  Key characteristics of the CO-TOP Model are:

• Comprehensive, research-based curriculum
• Field tested with more than 10,000 paraeducators
• Focuses on teachers and paraeducators as team members
• Specialized preparation for teachers and other school professionals to work with paraeducators
• Broad-based curriculum, consisting of 21 courses,  addresses needs of paraeducators in all aspects of education
• Training-of-trainers model gives districts full control over quantity, quality, and intensity of training

To learn about the fundamental concepts that frame CO-TOP Model, click here.

  

What makes CO-TOP the gold standard?

The CO-TOP model is the gold standard in training paraeducators because it is comprehensive, systematic, and sustainable.

     CO-TOP is comprehensive because it:

• Considers variations within job responsibilities of various paraeducator positions, and offers a menu of relevant courses
• Is based on curriculum validated by experts and field-tested with paraeducators
• Is specific to the roles and responsibilities that paraeducators perform
• Delivers curriculum that incorporates national and local policies and procedures
• Addresses the training needs of paraeducators as adult learners
• May be offered as frequently or infrequently as necessary to meet local needs

     CO-TOP is systematic because it:

• Is based on a coherent curriculum
• Includes a management system
• Provides easy verification of content integrity and depth
• Offers structure for delivering ongoing paraeducator training, training and support for trainers, coaching for paraeducators, and accountability
• Includes assessments of local needs

     CO-TOP is sustainable because it:

• Relies on internal resources of a school district
• Involves internal commitment and leadership
• Fosters strong local policy development
• Involves teachers and other school professionals
• Involves ongoing coaching, feedback, and evaluation of paraeducator performance and skills
• Involves on-going program monitoring, documentation and evaluation
• Provides a forum for exploring funding options
• Is accessible to all paraeducators
• Is affordable
• Articulates/transfers to two to four year degree college coursework

To view testimonials from the users of our products and services, click here

 

     What does research say about the benefits of CO-TOP?

Evidence resulting from the evaluation of CO-TOP model and materials suggests:

• CO-TOP trained paraeducators perform more effectively
• Teachers have greater confidence in CO-TOP trained paraeducators work
• Paraeducators report greater confidence in their own effectiveness with students
• CO-TOP trained teachers have greater confidence in their ability to supervise paraeducators
• Administrators have greater confidence that students are being served by qualified personnel
• CO-TOP trained paraeducators stay in their positions longer districts reduce turnover costs
• Teachers report improved team work
• CO-TOP Trainers stay longer in their positions and plan on remaining in educational careers
• CO-TOP Trainers attribute their interest in staying in education to the rewards and professional growth associated with training paraeducators