Bernal, C., & Aragon, L. (2004). Critical factors affecting the success of paraprofessionals in the first two years of career ladder projects in Colorado. Remedial and Special Education, 25 (4), 205-213.
This article describes a program in Colorado to address the shortage of bilingual teachers by providing a career ladder option for bilingual paraprofessionals to become certified teachers. Since many of the paraprofessionals enrolled in the program tend to be Hispanic women, who are being paid at or near minimum wage, and typically are the first generation in their families to attend college, the program is designed to increase their likelihood of success. This is accomplished through a combination of social, academic and financial supports pertaining to their first two years at a community college.
Focus group interviews conducted with program participants identify, from their perspectives, the critical factors they attribute to their success and how they feel about the program components. Participants indicated the following as key elements of support. Key social supports included supports from: (a) family members, (b) program advisors, and (c) other students in the cohort. Key academic supports included: (a) cohort classes, (b) tutorial support, (c) flexible scheduling of courses, (d) mentoring, and (e) practicum experiences. Key financial supports included providing for the costs of: (a) tuition, (b) books, and (c) fees. This program extends previous efforts indicating the importance of combining social, academic, and financial supports as critical components contributing to the success of paraprofessionals in college settings as they strive toward a college degree and teaching credentials.
Summarized by: Michael Giangreco, August 2004
Last modified February 14 2008 11:22 AM
