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ERIC Number: EJ1294134
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-May
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0888-4064
EISSN: EISSN-1944-4931
From the Frontlines: Perceptions of Paraprofessionals' Roles and Responsibilities
Mason, Rose A.; Gunersel, Adalet B.; Irvin, Dwight W.; Wills, Howard P.; Gregori, Emily; An, Zhe G.; Ingram, Paul B.
Teacher Education and Special Education, v44 n2 p97-116 May 2021
The paraeducator workforce as well as the breadth of their responsibilities to serve students in special education has increased considerably in public schools. Unfortunately, research to identify the most effective methods for training paraeducators has not kept pace. Addressing this dynamic, through an implementation science framework, requires a better understanding of contextual factors. In this study, focus groups (FGs) with paraeducators and teachers were conducted to examine (a) responsibilities, training needs, and related issues of paraprofessionals; (b) training needs and related issues of teachers as supervisors of paraeducators; and (c) factors that support or impede special educators' self-efficacy and their perception of competence of their colleagues. Four FGs, homogeneous based on role and assignment (mild vs. moderate-to-severe disabilities), were conducted utilizing a semistructured interview protocol. Qualitative content analysis revealed important challenges and training-related deficiencies experienced by both teachers and paraeducators, as well as suggestions for addressing these issues.
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R305H140048