ERIC Number: EJ1465781
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2325-7466
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Stakeholders' Experiences with Shadow Aides in an Inclusive School in Jamaica
Kishi Anderson Leachman
Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, p8-22 2025
Shadow aides (also known as learning assistants or shadow teachers) and the vital role they play in the learning support plan of many inclusive policies and practices is under-researched. This paper explores stakeholders' experiences with and the views they hold of shadow aides in the inclusive classroom in a Caribbean context using a qualitative case study design. Data was collected using interviews, focus group discussions and observations from 27 participants. The key findings suggest that shadow aides are viewed as being one of the driving factors behind successful inclusive education experiences and student outcomes. Parents shared that the work of shadow aides often resulted in either the improvement or regression of their children. Therefore, careful selection and placement of shadow aides along with their training and views are imperative in developing and implementing inclusive practices. Other key findings are also highlighted in this article. Finally, implications and recommendations are discussed.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Teacher Aides, Inclusion, Program Effectiveness, Parent Attitudes, Students with Disabilities, Private Schools, Teacher Attitudes, Administrator Attitudes, Student Attitudes, Stakeholders, Competence, Experience
American Academy of Special Education Professionals. 3642 East Sunnydale Drive, Chandler Heights, AZ 85142. Tel: 800-754-4421; Fax: 800-424-0371; e-mail: editor@aasep.org; Web site: http://www.aasep.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Jamaica
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A