ERIC Number: ED495285
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 19
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Paraprofessional Perspective
Hipsky, Shellie
Online Submission
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 students with disabilities [20 U.S.C. 1412(a)(14)]. The study was originally conducted for the practical purpose of examining the support structure of a specific school. However, the information that was garnered from the internal study can be applied to other school programs that have paraprofessionals who work with special needs students. A questionnaire was presented to 23 paraprofessionals at an alternative 1st-12th grade school that serves both day and residential students with emotional and/or behavioral disabilities. The following themes emerged throughout the analysis of the responses: the role of the paraprofessional, the healthy classroom, from paraprofessional to teacher, and paraprofessional professional development. The study begins with a literature review on paraprofessionals and explores quotes directly from the paraprofessional's perspective that was derived from the survey. Suggestions for training and other recommendations for strengthening the current supports for paraprofessionals were explained in the report.
Descriptors: Related Services (Special Education), Special Needs Students, State Legislation, Disabilities, Paraprofessional School Personnel, Role, Questionnaires, Nontraditional Education, Behavior Disorders, Emotional Disturbances, Residential Programs, Classroom Environment, Teacher Role, Staff Development
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A