Living on fixed incomes and faced with increasing taxes, senior citizens frequently feel the squeeze of a tightening economy more than other populations. Their retirement dollars buy less as their property taxes inch upward, despite the fact that they don't have school-age children. The Hempfield and Manheim Township School Districts in…

Studied whether the presence of a teacher aide in the classroom has noticeable impact on student learning using data for more than 6,300 students in 79 Tennessee schools. Findings suggest that teachers' aides have little, if any, positive effects on student learning. Results also indicate that many aides are required to perform tasks for which…

The increasing importance of the paraprofessional as part of an education team warrants carefully contructed certification programs. This article (1) recounts the history of paraprofessionals; (2) provides four arguments in favor of certification; (3) describes one existing program; (4) suggests characteristics of effective programs; and (5) warns…

A study assessed the services provided by paraprofessional aides and the attitudes of principals, teachers, and aides themselves toward the role of aides in classrooms and schools. Questionnaires provided data on aides' assignment within schools, relationship problems, tasks performed, and value of the services. Consensus of each group is…