Under the Program Support model, which description best fits the role of the Special Education Assistant?

• A. To supervise lunch and recess exclusively.
• B. To promote student independence and achievement in the Least Restrictive Environment.
• C. To replace teachers during planning time.
• D. To manage school budget and ordering supplies.

Answer: (B)

In the Program Support model, the emphasis is on helping a student with disabilities participate meaningfully in the general education setting and work toward their IEP goals with the least amount of restriction. The Special Education Assistant supports this by promoting the student’s independence and achievement in the Least Restrictive Environment, using strategies like prompting, modeling, task analysis, and careful data collection to help the student complete tasks, access instruction, and become more self-sufficient. This approach keeps the student integrated with same-age peers and general education activities as much as possible, while still providing the supports outlined in the IEP. Tasks like supervising lunch and recess alone, replacing teachers during planning time, or handling budgeting and ordering are not aligned with this instructional, inclusion-focused role.