ERIC Number: EJ1184152
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0827-3383
EISSN: N/A
An Evaluation of Paraprofessionals' Skills and Training Needs in Supporting Students with Severe Disabilities
Walker, Virginia L.; Douglas, Karen H.; Chung, Yun-Ching
International Journal of Special Education, v32 n3 p460-471 2017
Careful consideration is essential for developing and conducting effective paraprofessional development. This study described a process of paraprofessional development and outcomes from assessments, workshops, and social validation focus group interviews from one rural public school in the USA. Fourteen paraprofessionals and their supervisors completed multiple surveys to indicate their perceived skill level and training needs before outside experts conducted a workshop on two high priority skill areas. Results showed that paraprofessionals increased their knowledge and skill development after a full-day workshop. Although paraprofessionals found the training procedures and targeted strategies to be socially valid, they identified challenges associated with implementation of the strategies and access to follow-up coaching.
Descriptors: Paraprofessional School Personnel, Focus Groups, Workshops, Staff Development, Skill Development, Program Effectiveness, Rural Schools, Behavior Problems, Training, Special Schools, Severe Disabilities, Pretests Posttests, Surveys, Needs Assessment, Job Skills, Student Needs
International Journal of Special Education. 2889 Highbury Street, Vancouver, BC V6R 3T7, Canada. Web site: http://www.internationalsped.com/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A