The recommendations outlined in this article focus on research-based approaches to (a) establishing a healthy teacher-paraeducator relationship and (b) planning for and providing feedback on behavior intervention plans (BIP) implementation, both of which have been found to support teacher-paraeducator collaboration and implementation of effective…

Improving school climate takes time and commitment from a variety of people in a variety of roles. This document outlines key action steps that instructional staff--including teachers, paraprofessionals, and others in the classroom who provide instruction or assistance--can take to support school climate improvements. Key action steps are provided…

One question frequently arises in the work of the Regional Comprehensive Centers: "What are states, districts, and schools doing about RTI?" This document addresses that question, with particular focus on instruction and the implementation of effective practices. It uses a frequently asked questions (FAQs) format, with answers based on…

Recently, one southeastern Idaho school's special-education aides were upgraded to paraprofessional status. All 28 para-educators are women, have at least a high-school diploma, and have job descriptions specifying what they should know and accomplish in the classroom. Training and compensation particulars are discussed. (MLH)

In response to the shortage of qualified bilingual special education personnel to work with Limited English Proficient (LEP) special needs students, a program was developed in Vista Unified School District in North San Diego County, California, which involves training bilingual paraprofessionals to serve in special education settings. The…

Seven alternative approaches used by school districts dissatisfied with the Chapter 1 pullout model are described in this paper. The problems the districts encountered are discussed, and the viability of implementing similar programs in other districts is assessed. The seven programs include two replacement models, two aide-based delivery service…

The process of developing and implementing the Graduate Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) at Seattle Pacific University (Washington) included five steps: initial conception, establishment of program parameters, development of a working proposal, completion of the review process, and completion of the adoption process. Graduate STEP is a…

The Aide-to-Teacher Project is a teacher recruitment and preparation project for culturally diverse paraprofessional classroom aides, initiated at California State University Dominguez Hills in 1987. The program works in collaboration with seven school districts to provide paraprofessionals with the financial, academic, and personal support they…

The Native Language Reading Approach Program of the New York City Public Schools was developed as an on-site, demonstration training program for teachers and teacher aides involved in helping students to transfer reading skills from their native language to English. As implemented in 1980-1981, the program served teachers/teaching aides of…

Senate Bill 156 of 1989 established the "Teacher Assistant, Associate of Arts" degree program in the California Education Code as a new offering of the California Community Colleges. It funded the creation of the program by two community colleges in different regions of the State, and it directed the California Commission on Teacher…

The initiation, implementation, and successes of 13 older adult volunteer programs are traced in these descriptive essays focusing on: (1) the Educational Growth Opportunities project at San Diego State University (CA); (2) the Retired Volunteer Service Corps at the University of Maryland; (3) the Displaced Homemakers Program at Valencia Community…