One-on-one and program-based special education paraprofessionals are often used to support students with disabilities across school settings. While paraprofessionals may have the best of intentions, their proximity and the support they provide may prevent students with disabilities from fully accessing educational and social opportunities. To…

This brief, produced by WestEd as part of a collection of Crisis Response Resources, provides guidance and resources to help district and school leaders ensure students with disabilities are well supported through distance learning prompted by the coronavirus crisis. The brief begins with key questions to guide adminis­trators as they consider how…

This report presents salary and wage data collected as part of the "ERS National Survey of Salaries and Wages in Public Schools, 2010-2011." The survey, conducted in Fall 2010, collected data on salaries scheduled and salaries paid for 23 selected professional positions and 10 selected support positions in public school systems throughout the…

Bilingual education is one of the fastest growing disciplines within applied linguistics. This book includes the work of 20 specialists working in various educational contexts across Europe, Latin America, and North America to create a volume which is both comprehensive in scope and multidimensional in its coverage of current bilingual…

Challenging behaviors and poor student performance are often attributed to many of society's ills. As a result of the presence of such factors in some students' lives, changing these students' behavior in the classroom is seen as futile unless one can change their nonschool environment. To facilitate the reader's capability to develop intervention…

This report presents salary and wage data collected as part of the "Educational Research Service (ERS) National Survey of Salaries and Wages in Public Schools, 2008-2009." The survey, conducted in fall 2008, collected data on salaries scheduled and salaries paid for 23 selected professional positions and 10 selected support positions in public…

Much attention has been paid to the "highly qualified" requirements for teachers in the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), but the paraprofessional provisions have stayed out of the spotlight. With the deadline for compliance approaching, it is important to turn everyone's attention to these provisions to see who they affect, what new…

This report presents salary and wage data collected as part of the "Educational Research Service (ERS) National Survey of Salaries and Wages in Public Schools, 2007-2008." The survey, conducted in spring 2008, collected data on salaries scheduled and salaries paid for 23 selected professional positions and 10 selected support positions in public…

There is currently heightened awareness among policymakers and administrators at state and local levels about addressing more effectively issues related to the employment, roles, preparation, and supervision of paraeducators. Despite this increased scrutiny, catalyzed by provisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1997 and the No Child…

Reauthorization of ESEA through the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001 included provisions for qualified paraeducators. Section 1119(g) states that all paraprofessionals who are performing instructional duties and are funded with Title I funds, including all paraprofessionals performing instructional duties in a schoolwide building, must meet…

The Paraeducator Portfolio Assessment process is a method for paraeducators to meet the Title I requirements of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001. The Portfolio Assessment allows paraeducators to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and their ability to assist with instruction in the same areas,…

This paper sets forth guidelines regarding the use of interpreters/translators for use in assessment of students from linguistically and culturally different environments. Training components for such personnel are listed according to general knowledge, cultural knowledge, and specific skills. Limitations of using a third party in the assessment…

The project sought to develop guidelines and materials to more fully integrate paraprofessional personnel into special education programs administered by public schools and other provider agencies, and to improve the performance and productivity of paraprofessionals working in elementary and secondary level special education programs. Overall…

This facilitator's manual goes with a training module for inexperienced elementary classroom assistant teachers, which provides information on what their job consists of, what is occurring in American elementary schools, and possibilities for paraeducators. Part 1, "Preparing for Training," includes a checklist for paraeducator training, morning…

The school business official's role in the performance of noncertificated employees in a school district requires effective review, evaluation, and prompt disciplinary action when warranted. Proper documentation of all employment practices and of the disciplinary response to a specific employee are necessary to avoid unfavorable court litigation.…