Riggs, Cathryn G. (2002). Providing administrative support for classroom paraeducators: What’s a building administrator to do? Rural Special Education Quarterly 21(3), 10-14.
This article addresses the changing role administrators have over the hiring and supervision of paraeducators. Historically paraeducators worked primarily under the supervision of special educators. With the dramatic increase in the use of paraeducators in general education classrooms over the past decade, administrators have been called upon to interact more directly with paraeducators.
Riggs discusses the three "R’s" that can help define administrative support for paraeducators. They are:
Responsibilities – clear definition of their roles and
responsibilities within the school and classroom, and between the teacher and
the paraeducator.
Relationships – good communication between paraeducators,
teachers and administrators is essential to helping a paraeducator feel valued
and part of a team.
Respect – administrators should help emphasize to the
school staff the importance of paraeducators by making sure that staff members
treat them as part of the educational team.
Riggs also provides a list titled "Ten Tips for Providing Administrative
Support".
Summarized by: Stephen
Doll - April 2003