Nittoli, J,M., & Giloth, R.P. (1997). New careers revisited: Paraprofessional job creation for low-income communities. Social Policy, 28(2), 44-61.
After providing a historical review of paraprofessional positions across education and human services, the authors describe a rationale for the importance of paraprofessionals in a variety of settings. Paraprofessionals are identified as essential components in the economic stability of local communities in which services are provided. Social policy issues are examined in terms of developing career ladders for paraprofessionals to advance within their profession. While paraprofessionals are identified as a key to rethinking schools, the authors also point out the absence of research documenting the relative effectiveness of paraprofessionals in education. Strategies for reducing turnover of paraprofessionals across service settings are discussed. The authors discuss the implications of paraprofessionals providing instruction with limited supervision, particularly in Title I and bilingual programs. In addition to describing fragmented training, credentialing, and standards of practice, the authors argue for more substantive supervision practices and increased wages for paraprofessionals.
Summarized by: Steve Broer
- November 1999