Teachers in the United Kingdom (UK) are often supported in the classroom by teaching assistants (TAs)--paraprofessionals whose roles have changed significantly in the last several years. The 2003 National Agreement: Raising Standards and Tackling Workload, known as the workforce remodeling initiative, was designed to raise standards in schools in…

Paraeducators were first introduced into American classrooms in response to teacher shortages during the early years of the post-World War II baby boom. Today, they are major participants in the delivery of education and special services, from early childhood through high school, for children with and without disabilities, and for those who speak…

In this article, an interview with paraeducator Joyce Hinckley is presented. Hinckley discusses her 15-year career as a paraeducator, how she became involved with the field, and gives advice to teachers working with paraeducators. She is the mother of five children and grandmother of eight. She has lived in farming communities for most of her life.

Recently, one southeastern Idaho school's special-education aides were upgraded to paraprofessional status. All 28 para-educators are women, have at least a high-school diploma, and have job descriptions specifying what they should know and accomplish in the classroom. Training and compensation particulars are discussed. (MLH)