Many paraeducators have no formal education beyond high school and are provided with minimal training once on the job. Furthermore, as more schools turn to inclusionary practices, the impetus for highly qualified paraeducators becomes more important. However, little research has examined efficient ways to train paraeducators who work in inclusive…

Paraeducators are on the front lines in special education settings, providing support to teachers and students with significant disabilities and specific health-care needs. The important role they play demands efficient and cost-effective training in core skills. This study utilized a multiple-baseline across behaviors design to evaluate a…

With nearly a million paraprofessionals working in elementary and secondary schools (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013), ensuring they are well prepared and supported is essential to their and their students' success. Paraprofessionals work closely with classroom teachers to support students from special populations and are typically supervised by…

This article describes three different ways of using paraeducators during adapted physical education. (1.) Having paraeducators read a portion of the lesson plan that describes the desired support towards lesson objectives. Paraeducators then assist all students when needed. (2.) Assigning specific modifications for paraeducators through the IEP…

The number of pupils who have English as an Additional Language (EAL) in English schools is increasing, with an influx of migrants from Europe. This paper investigates how schools are addressing the needs of these children. Using survey and interviews with teachers and paraprofessionals the identification of personal assumptions and challenges of…

Described is a model for inservice training of paraprofessionals working with the severely and profoundly mentally retarded. Reviewed are the following training phases: orientation, including a discussion of the program's overview and expectations; demonstration and modeling of activity training; monitoring the resident's progress; and…

Paraprofessional staff (n=148) working in group homes, institutions, day care centers, and sheltered workshops for people with mental retardation participated in inservice training on adult education and basic teaching skills. The majority wrote and implemented individual teaching programs for their clients that resulted in positive gains in…

This study describes responsibilities and training needs of paraeducators in physical education. Paraeducators (n = 138) employed in 34 midwestern schools received a 27-item questionnaire. Of the 138 paraeducators contacted, 76 responded, resulting in a 55.1% response rate. Only 16% of the total respondents (n = 76) reported receiving specific…

This videotape and accompanying workbook are intended to help paraprofessional school personnel learn necessary skills to assist in classroom instruction. The workbook provides supplementary information and each section includes suggested activities for putting knowledge and skills into practice and suggestions for reflection. Individual sections…

This article describes a systematic program that special education teachers can use to teach instructional aides and peer tutors to use effective teaching practices. The article specifically focuses on delivering appropriate instructional commands, providing specific praise, and using appropriate error correction procedures. (JDD)

This kit for training paraeducators working with students who have disabilities includes a facilitator's manual, a paraeducator workbook, and six videotapes, one for each unit of instruction, and an instructor training videotape. The materials are to be used with small groups during training sessions totaling 14-20 hours. The facilitator's manual…

These instructor and participant manuals provide a basic training program curriculum for paraeducators supporting students with disabilities in inclusive educational settings. The course requires approximately 18 hours of instruction and 12 hours of practicum, can be offered in a variety of formats (intensively or over a number of weeks), and does…

This curriculum outline represents the design framework for the development of a Paraeducator Instructional Institute Curriculum. The intent of the curriculum is to help Title I paraeducators in Montana meet the qualification requirements set forth under Title I, Section 1119(c) of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The curriculum is organized…

The High School State Incentive Grant was established to improve the quality of instruction given to New York students with handicaps by providing high school special education teachers with an intensive staff development program designed and implemented at the school, district, and citywide levels. The program consisted of three major components:…

This newsletter theme issue on distance education serving individuals with disabilities considers historical developments, technology, staff training strategies, and staff training materials. It is noted that improving access to training for staff members can improve the quality of services for individuals with disabilities. The following articles…