Guidelines for Selecting Alternatives to Overreliance on Paraprofessionals: Field-Testing in Inclusion-Oriented Schools

This 5-year multisite mixed-methods evaluation study chronicles the field-testing of the planning process Guidelines for Selecting Alternatives to Overreliance on Paraprofessionals in 26 schools (Grades K—12) in six states. Evaluation of the utilization and outcomes of the guidelines process was bas...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Remedial and special education 2011-01, Vol.32 (1), p.22-38
Main Authors: Giangreco, Michael F., Broer, Stephen M., Suter, Jesse C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alternatives
California
Chronicles
Classrooms
Connecticut
Consumers
Cooperation
Education
Educational evaluation
Educational Improvement
Elementary Secondary Education
Evaluation
Feedback (Response)
Field Tests
Full Time Equivalency
Guidelines
Inclusion
Individualized Education Programs
Kansas
New Hampshire
Outcomes of Education
Paraprofessional School Personnel
Paraprofessionals
Questionnaires
Secondary schools
Self Evaluation (Individuals)
Selfassessment
Special Education
Special Education Teachers
Teaching assistants
Vermont
Wisconsin
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Summary:This 5-year multisite mixed-methods evaluation study chronicles the field-testing of the planning process Guidelines for Selecting Alternatives to Overreliance on Paraprofessionals in 26 schools (Grades K—12) in six states. Evaluation of the utilization and outcomes of the guidelines process was based on data from 472 study participants. Findings highlight (a) reasons why schools decided to utilize the process; (b) self-assessment ratings, selected priorities, and actions pursued by the schools; (c) consumer feedback; and (d) the impact of the guidelines process in the schools. Primary areas of impact included changes in special educator caseloads and paraprofessional utilization, extension of inclusive opportunities, and improvement in classroom collaboration and practices. Implications for schools and future research are discussed.
ISSN:0741-9325
1538-4756
DOI:10.1177/0741932509355951