What role would an in-class support staff member have for a special education student in a general education classroom?

The role of an in-class support staff member for a special education student in a general education classroom primarily centers around the implementation of modifications tailored to meet the specific needs of that student. This involves adapting lesson plans, providing additional resources, or utilizing different instructional strategies to ensure the student can access the curriculum and participate alongside their peers.

By focusing on modifications, the support staff plays a critical role in creating an inclusive learning environment where the special education student can thrive. This individualized support is essential because it addresses the unique challenges that the student may face, whether these are related to learning disabilities, sensory issues, or behavioral needs.

Facilitating social activities is important, but it is not the central focus of an in-class support staff member's role, as their primary responsibility is to promote academic success and adaptation within the classroom environment. While supervising the student is a component of ensuring their safety and well-being, constant supervision is not the main function of the support staff. Teaching all subjects exclusively would also contradict the intended collaborative dynamic within an inclusive classroom setting, where both the general and special education teachers contribute to the students' learning.