Oakland Unified School District
Instructional Assistant    
 
BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of a Principal, assist a certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of students in a classroom or other learning environment; assist teachers with the preparation of instructional materials; tutor students in assigned subject areas.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: (Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the principal job elements).

E = Essential Functions

Tutor individual or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher; monitor and oversee student drills, practices and assignments. E
Perform a variety of clerical duties such as preparing, typing and duplicating instructional materials, scoring papers and recording grades; maintain student files as assigned. E
Provide support to the teacher by setting up work areas and displays, operating audio-visual equipment, and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials; confer with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet student needs. E
Administer, monitor and score a variety of tests and assignments; rephrase materials and explain instructions and words. E
Observe and control behavior of students according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior. E
Operate a variety of office, instructional and audio-visual equipment as assigned. E
Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures.
Direct group activities of students as assigned; assist in monitoring lunchroom, recess and other playground activities as assigned; accompany students on field trips as assigned. E
Participate in staff meetings; attend various in-service meetings as assigned. E
Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
TRAINING, EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE:
Meet Highly Qualified requirement of No Child Left Behind: A high school diploma, or equivalent AND a) an Associate of Arts degree or higher, or b) 48 or more college units, or 3) a passing score on a test (CBEST, ParaPro or CODESP)
Employment eligibility will include being fingerprinted, passing a TB test and/or other employment clearance requirements.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Personal appearance, grooming, and language patterns, which will provide a satisfactory example to pupils.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Child guidance principles and practices
Basic subjects taught in District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading
Safe practices in classroom and playground activities
Basic instructional methods and techniques
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary
Basic record-keeping techniques
Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct
Operation of office, instructional and audio-visual equipment

ABILITY TO:
Assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment
Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of students as directed by the teacher
Print and write legibly
Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately
Understand and follow oral and written directions
Learn the procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties
Communicate effectively with children and adults
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
Work confidentially and with discretion
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Supervise and discipline students according to approved policies and procedures
Operate office, instructional and audio-visual equipment

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Hearing and speaking to exchange information
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate assigned equipment and demonstrate activities
Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students
Sitting at a desk, conference table, or in classrooms of various configurations for extended periods of time
Distinguishing colors, seeing and reading a computer screen, educational materials, books, and other printed matter, with or without vision aids and seeing to monitor students
Speaking in audible tones, comprehensible to others, in normal classrooms, outdoors, and on the telephone.
Walking on uneven terrain, play yards and school grounds, or standing for long periods of time
Physical ability to lift up to 25 pounds or carry any object weighing up to 15 pounds
Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally