Paraprofessionals in Special Education: The State of the Art--1986.

Overview & Synopsis

One of a series of monographs addressing issues concerning the training and use of paraprofessionals working in education programs for the disabled, this report considers the expanding utilization of paraprofessionals in special education and its related services. The first section describes the current state of the art with regard to personnel practices, the changing roles and responsibilities of paraprofessionals, training programs, certification/permit systems, and other factors affecting the employment, training, and on-the-job performance of paraprofessionals. The report's second section presents a series of recommendations for improving the effectiveness of paraprofessionals in special education and its related services. These recommendations are based on a national survey of special education directors (N=52) representing 47 state departments of education, three United States territories, the District of Columbia, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Information obtained from these administrators (number of paraprofessionals employed in special education programs, reimbursement policies, certification policies, cooperative state-college relationships, professional needs, and training networks) resulted in the formation of several conclusions, including the need for systematic inservice training, easier access to postsecondary education, differentiated staffing patterns, and increased cooperation between state and local education agencies. (CB)