Key Takeaways:

• Fading paraprofessional support promotes independence and interdependence while reducing potential negative impacts on academics, behavior, and social interactions.
• Leveraging peers and the environment for natural supports can enhance student success without direct adult intervention.
• The Prompting Ladder provides a step-by-step guide for systematically fading support, starting from the least intrusive to the most intrusive.
• Regular data collection, like tracking “success minutes,” helps teams identify when students can succeed with less direct support.

Highlights from the Handout:

The handout, “The Prompting Ladder: Strategies for Fading Paraprofessional Support,” outlines a structured approach to fostering student independence. Practical examples include:

• Invisible Supports: Use tools like sticky notes to discreetly guide students.
• Natural Cues: Leverage environmental prompts or peer support to assist students.
• Wait Time: Encourage independence by allowing students time to process and act.
• Gestural Cues: Provide subtle, non-verbal guidance to maintain student agency.

Download the full handout at inclusiveschooling.com/download36.

Practical Tips:

• Experiment with Proximity: Gradually increase distance from the student and observe their ability to succeed independently.
• Use Peer Supports: Train classmates to assist with tasks like turning to the correct page or gathering materials.
• Incorporate Structures: Implement systems like “Ask Three Before Me” to encourage collaboration and reduce dependency on adults.
• Reassign Roles: Paraprofessionals can support the classroom by running stations, preparing materials, or co-regulating with other students.