French, N. K., & Pickett, A. L. (1997). Paraprofessionals in special education: Issues for teacher educators. Teacher Education and Special Education, 20(1), 61-73.
These authors provide a summary of the historical developments that have influenced the dramatic increase in the number of paraprofessionals nationwide. The following issues were discussed: (1) lack of preparation among special educators to supervise paraprofessionals; (2) scarcity of training for paraprofessionals and a list of states that require training; (3) role confusion, particularly in inclusionary settings; (4) paraprofessionals and their connection to the communities where schools are located; and (5) the advancement of paraprofessionals in the educational systems. Teacher educators are encouraged to increase awareness of the critical paraprofessional issues through a variety of dissemination and curriculum review activities. The establishment of a task force to develop training standards is recommended. Ideally, this task force will be composed of a variety of disciplines and divisions in the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) . The authors also recommend the Teacher Education Division of the CEC to promote collaboration on paraprofessional issues among CEC divisions.
Summarized by: Steve Broer - May 1999