This study explored ways in which the arts could be infused into the day-to-day practices of special education teachers and paraeducators to support them in addressing Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals. This study further explored the impact of positive or negative help from teachers, nurses and paraeducators on student engagement. Due to…

Many factors impact intervention implementation in everyday practice, including the social validity of these interventions. As a way of addressing social validity, this study aimed to understand the perspectives of multiple stakeholders of school-aged children and adolescents who use aided and unaided augmentative and alternative communication…

The authors share the results of an ongoing study of the changing roles that paraeducators may face when they work in inclusive classrooms. The results of the study may fill an identified research gap regarding what para-educators in inclusive classrooms actually do (given that only 7 studies published between 1999-2006). The results of the pilot…

The authors share the results of a national study of the changing roles of paraeducators who work in inclusive classrooms. The purpose of the study was to add to the research with respect to paraeducators' voices, given that so few studies have been published between 1996-2006 of paraeducators in inclusive classrooms. In addition, the results of…

Project SUCCESS sought to recruit, train, and support paraprofessionals and mid-career adults in high-need teaching fields (math, science, special education, bilingual) in transitioning to teach in high-need schools. A 27-minute video was produced to supplement reporting of project evaluation outcomes. This paper highlights procedures and…

This qualitative report examines the role of the paraprofessional. The 2004 reauthorization of IDEA, explains that paraprofessionals who are appropriately trained and supervised (in accordance with state law, regulation, or written policy) are recognized as personnel who may assist in the provision of special education and related services to…

While preparing a previous ERS Report, Employee Absenteeism: A Summary of Research, Educational Research Service found relatively few published studies on school support staff compared to the immense literature on absenteeism in business and industry. ERS found no nationwide data relating specifically to either teacher or school support staff…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and the efficacy of regional special education programs. Focus groups were conducted in an independent school district and two special education cooperatives. Focus groups were conducted with general education teachers, special education teachers, principals, paraprofessionals,…

The Austin Independent School District (AISD) received $19,270,573 in federal Title I Part A entitlement funding in 2004-2005 to support schools' efforts to provide students with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to meet state academic performance standards. This report summarizes program evaluation information for…

This report summarizes evaluation results from AISD's federally-funded Title I program activities during 2002-2003.