Paraeducators should be valued, appreciated, and recognized for their unique competencies, hard work, and contributions to the classroom, school, and community.
Non Data-Based Literature
Data-Based Literature
Training Materials
Ideas From the Field
Balshaw, M., & Farrell, P. (2002). Teacher assistants: Practical strategies for effective classroom support. London: David Fulton. Summary Available / Click here for link to publisher
Daniels, V.I. & McBride, A. (2001). Paraeducators as critical team members: Redefining roles and responsibilities. NASSP Bulletin (85) 623, 66-74. Summary Available
French, N., & Pickett, A. L. (1997). Paraprofessionals in special education: Issues for teacher educators. Teacher Education and SpecialEducation, 20(1), 61-73. Summary Available
Giangreco, M.F. & Doyle, M.B. (2002). Students with disabilities and paraprofessional supports: Benefits, balance, and band-aids. Focus on Exceptional Children, 34 (7), 1-12. Summary Available
Hill, C. (2003) The role of instructional assistants in regular classrooms: Are they influencing inclusive practices? The Alberta Journal of Educational Research, 49(1), 98-100. Summary Available
Miramontes, O. B. (1990). Organizing for effective paraprofessional services in special education: A multilingual/multiethnic instructional service team model. Remedial and Special Education, 12, 29-36. Summary Available
Nittoli, J.M., & Giloth, R.P. (1997). New careers revisited: Paraprofessional job creation for low-income communities. Social Policy, 28(2), 44-61. Summary Available
Palma, G. M. (1994). Toward a positive and effective teacher and paraprofessional relationship. Rural Special Education Quarterly, 13 (4), 46-48. Summary Available
Parsons, M.B., & Reid, D.H. (March/April 1999). Training basic teaching skills to paraeducators of students with severe disabilities: A one day program. Teaching Exceptional Children, 31 (4), 48- 54. Summary Available
Radaszewski-Byrne, M. (1997). Issues in the development of guidelines for the preparation and use of speech-language paraprofessionals and their SL supervisors working in education settings. Journal of Children's Communication Development, 18(1), 5-22. Summary Available
Chopra, R. V., Sandoval-Lucero, E., Aragon, L., Bernal, C., Berg de Balderas, H., & Carroll, D. The paraprofessional role of connector. Remedial and Special Education, 25(4), 219-231. Summary Available
Giangreco, M.F., Edelman, S.W., & Broer, S.M. (2001). Respect, appreciation, and acknowledgement of paraprofessionals who support students with disabilities. Exceptional Children, 67, 485-498. Summary Available
Lacey, P. (2001). The role of learning support assistants in the inclusive learning of pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties. Educational Review, 53(2), 157-167. Summary Available
None Available at This Time
Ideas from the field were generated and put into practice by school teams
who used the the tool,
"A Guide to Schoolwide Planning for Paraeducator Supports"
Letter of Appreciation to a Paraeducator
Welcoming/Acknowledging Ideas; Source: Richmond, VT Elementary Teachers
If you do not have Acrobat Reader 3.01 or higher you may download a copy of it for free!
A complete list of Selected Paraeducator References 1990 - 2001 with summaries is also available.
