Describes the role of a paraeducator, a person who works in a school in an instructional capacity alongside school professionals and is supervised by the licensed professional. Required training, paraeducator characteristics, and how the presence of a paraeducator changes the role of the teacher are discussed. (CR)

Identifies and discusses issues associated with the employment of paraprofessionals in special education programs likely to be of the greatest importance and interest to teacher educators. These include teacher preparation to supervise, training of paraprofessionals, role overlap, paraprofessionals as community links, and paraprofessionals as…

This study examined the practices of 321 special education teachers with responsibility for supervising paraprofessionals. Teachers reported little preparation for supervision; most were not involved in hiring but were responsible for evaluation; most provided oral, not written instructions; few held regular meetings with paraprofessionals; and…

Twenty suggestions are provided for helping teachers to become more effective managers of paraprofessionals and to improve the ways paraprofessionals work with students with learning disabilities. These include: provide orientation; find out what the paraprofessionals' work-style preferences are; assess the skills of the paraprofessional; observe…

This third installation of the "Paraeducator Supervision Notebook" focuses on practical ways teachers can make decisions about which classroom tasks to delegate to a paraeducator. It discusses effective time management, the benefits of delegation, reasons school professionals fail to delegate, and steps for delegation to paraeducators. (CR)

Nineteen mothers of 23 children who received special education services in inclusive classrooms with support from paraprofessionals found that the mothers identified closely with paraprofessionals and believed that they were compassionate, dedicated people who functioned in four major roles: connector, team member, instructor, and physical…

Examines the feasibility of developing training programs in the Colorado community college system for paraeducators (i.e., technicians who provide personal care, instructional services and behavior management to students with disabilities and remedial needs) based on a survey of directors of special education, teachers, and personnel directors.…

This study examined the relationship between 18 pairs of special-education resource teachers and the paraeducators they supervise. Teachers were divided in their beliefs about the fundamental role of paraeducators, whether as assistants to the teacher or to the student. Teachers also expressed reluctance about their supervisory role, preferring to…

This article explores the changing roles of teachers and paraeducators, delineates responsibilities, and offers practical suggestions for educators and paraeducators in inclusive classrooms. In assigning tasks to paraeducators, teachers are urged to consider educational legislation, risks to students and to personnel, and competencies and skills…

This guide provides tools and strategies for recruiting, managing, and using paraeducators in schools. It offers guidelines for using paraeducators in ways that best contribute to student achievement as well as strategies for identifying best practices, time frames, and people best suited for training paraprofessionals. It includes specific…

This final report discusses the activities and outcomes of a project that provided training on the Paraeducator Supervision Academy (PSA) Model (curriculum, instructional materials, and supervision of paraprofessionals) to faculty who will prepare future school professionals. Training was provided to faculty and preservice students in schools and…