This descriptive study, based on quantitative and qualitative data from 215 school personnel in four schools identifies seven themes concerned with the evolution of paraprofessional services including: (1) increases in paraprofessional services; (2) hiring challenges; (3) turnover; (4) paraprofessional role shift to instruction; (5)…

This workbook is designed to assist educators in establishing a team for planning for paraeducator supports and addressing paraeducator issues. Worksheets are provided for implementing the following 10 planning steps: (1) inform the local school board of the intention to establish a team to address paraeducator issues; (2) ensure that the team…

Interviews and school visits investigated how 193 school personnel respect, appreciate, and acknowledge paraprofessionals who work in inclusive classrooms supporting students with and without disabilities. Themes included nonmonetary signs and symbols of appreciation, compensation, being entrusted with important responsibilities, noninstructional…

This article summarizes and analyzes 43 pieces of professional literature pertaining to paraprofessional supports for students with disabilities published between 1991 and 2000. The findings identify topical gaps in the literature, review the major data based findings, and present implications for the field. Suggestions for future research stress…

A study chronicled the use of a process of planning for paraeducator supports by teams in 46 schools in 13 states during the 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 school years. Findings indicated that the process assisted school teams in self-assessing their paraeducators practices, identifying priorities, and developing action plans and implementing them.…

After presenting selected issues associated with employing paraprofessionals, this article extends the discussion on paraprofessional issues by exploring guidelines to assist teams in making decisions about paraprofessional supports. This includes both considerations for the appropriate use of paraprofessionals when assigned, as well as…

This study describes differences in teacher engagement identified within two approaches to providing paraprofessional supports in general education classrooms, program-based and one-on-one. Analysis of observed and reported experiences of 103 school personnel from four schools identified characteristics of teacher engagement and disengagement,…

Observations and interviews in 16 classrooms concerning proximity of instructional assistants to students with disabilities found: (1) interference with general educator responsibility; (2) separation from classmates; (3) dependence on adults; (4) impact on peer interactions; (5) limitations on receiving competent instruction; (6) loss of personal…