Developing positive school climates and improving school discipline policies and practices are critical steps to raising academic achievement and supporting student success. However, there is no single formula for doing so. Rather, the growing body of research and best practices in the field should inform locally developed approaches to improving…

This article describes three different ways of using paraeducators during adapted physical education. (1.) Having paraeducators read a portion of the lesson plan that describes the desired support towards lesson objectives. Paraeducators then assist all students when needed. (2.) Assigning specific modifications for paraeducators through the IEP…

What is Response to Intervention (RTI) and how can it benefit your school? Find out in "RTI Success", an all-in-one resource that provides information on this innovative model as well as step-by-step administrator guidelines and practical teacher tools for implementation. Despite ongoing federal initiatives meant to increase the profile…

The Project ACCESS (Adapting Curriculum Content for Exceptional Secondary Students) resource guide is designed to help regular classroom teachers provide successful experiences to mildly handicapped mainstreamed students through the adaptation of the curriculum. The concerns-based approach, which was used successfully by Project ACCESS, focuses on…

This article addresses ways that regular and special education teachers can provide training for paraeducators and delineates the roles and responsibilities appropriate for paraeducators. Training suggestions cover the interview, orientation, sharing information, meetings, and team skills. Paraeducator responsibilities require teaching students…

This instructor's manual is designed to help in implementing a course for caregivers on individual planning for individuals with disabilities. Content notes and implementation notes for each section are provided, as are sheets for overhead projection, worksheets, and handouts. The course is organized into 19 sections to be administered in 8 hours…

This article describes four ways experienced co-teachers, especially regular and special educators, can maintain mature co-teaching relationships. Celebrating accomplishments, re-evaluating team goals, sustaining equitable practices, and maintaining continuous improvement are suggested as specific strategies for keeping the co-teaching…

This facilitator's manual is part of a curriculum to help special educators teach paraprofessionals to support individual students with disabilities effectively, especially students with moderate to severe disabilities who require individualized support. Special aspects of the curriculum include its site-based and job embedded approach as well as…

This training module was developed to introduce postsecondary personnel to the support services available for students with disabilities at the University of Missouri-Columbia. The module covers the definition and philosophy of support services, including the development of rehabilitation services, independent living, and the disability rights…

This training program is intended to help administrators and staff developers prepare teachers of special needs students to work more effectively with paraprofessionals--to direct and monitor their activities, to assess their contributions to the instructional process, and to use systematic procedures to improve their skills and productivity.…

This final report describes accomplishments and activities of the 4-year Super-Vision project, designed to train teachers to supervise paraeducators in their work with students who have disabilities. The project used a problem-solving, consultative model, validated curriculum materials ("Teamwork and Evaluation"), and a training of trainers…

These instructor and participant manuals provide a basic training program curriculum for paraeducators supporting students with disabilities in inclusive educational settings. The course requires approximately 18 hours of instruction and 12 hours of practicum, can be offered in a variety of formats (intensively or over a number of weeks), and does…

This guide describes the services necessary to support effective paraeducator services in accredited Iowa schools. A paraeducator is defined as an employee who works under the supervision of teachers or other licensed personnel who have the ultimate responsibility for the design and implementation of education and related service programs. It is…

This training module was developed to introduce postsecondary personnel to the support services available for students with disabilities at Southwest Missouri State University. The module covers the definition and philosophy of support services, including the development of rehabilitation services, independent living, and the disability rights…

This educational program, comprised of a training manual and 2 accompanying videotapes (each about 25 minutes long), is designed to develop language skills in young children with language disorders and/or children from minority backgrounds. The program model is based on the following principles: (1) early language is critical to later academic…