During which activity can a paraprofessional legally assist in the classroom?

A paraprofessional plays a supportive role in the classroom, primarily focusing on assisting teachers and helping students. One of the key responsibilities of a paraprofessional is to help maintain a conducive learning environment, which includes enforcing the classroom management system. This task involves implementing established rules and procedures, redirecting student behavior as needed, and ensuring that a positive atmosphere for learning is sustained.

Engaging in classroom management is within the paraprofessional's scope of duties, as it directly contributes to the day-to-day operation of the classroom and supports the teacher's instructional efforts. This role allows paraprofessionals to interact with students and reinforce expectations without taking on the full responsibilities of teaching or curriculum planning.

In contrast, the other options involve responsibilities that typically fall outside the legal limits of a paraprofessional’s role. For instance, planning lesson curriculum requires a level of pedagogical expertise and authority that is generally reserved for certified teachers. Conducting parent-teacher conferences also necessitates a teacher's professional insight and authority to discuss student performance and needs. Lastly, assessing student performance often involves formal evaluations and grading, which are responsibilities typically assigned to certified staff due to the implications for a student's academic record and progression.