Which of the following best describes the role of a paraprofessional in supporting students with disabilities?

The role of a paraprofessional primarily focuses on providing individualized support to students with disabilities under the guidance of a certified teacher. This collaboration is essential for creating an inclusive learning environment where each student receives the assistance they need to thrive academically and socially.

Paraprofessionals often work closely with teachers to understand the specific needs of students and implement strategies that cater to those needs. This can include providing one-on-one assistance, facilitating group work, or helping students with tasks that may be challenging for them. Their work enhances the instructional process by ensuring that students with diverse learning requirements are supported effectively, allowing them to engage with the curriculum in a meaningful way.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary responsibilities of a paraprofessional. Leading classes independently suggests having full control over the instruction, which typically falls solely within the teacher's role. Creating curriculum materials and designing assessment methods are higher-level tasks that require a teacher's expertise and standards that paraprofessionals generally do not perform. Thus, the best description of a paraprofessional’s role is centered around implementing individualized support in alignment with the overarching educational framework established by the teacher.