Teaming is a step toward individualization or personalization of learning. Teams should be composed of from 3-6 teachers, one or more aids, student teachers if possible, and 60-150 students of varying chronological ages. The team training program should be designed to make all participants aware of changing expectations, and to build the skills…

This paper presents findings of a study that examined the relationship between the performance (as measured by test results) of pupils in classrooms with full-time teacher aides. The Student Teacher Achievement Ratio project (STAR) was implemented in Tennessee from 1985 through 1989 to study the effects of class size on student achievement and…

The Teacher Assistance Team (TAT) process has come about as a result of the increase in referrals for special education services (mostly for the learning disabilities classroom). TAT was devised to break the cycle of student failure. This paper has five parts. Part 1 briefly elaborates on the definition of a TAT. Part 2 addresses the need for TAT…

The purpose of this study was to (1) ascertain the perceptions of teachers using volunteer aides and (2) to investigate the effect of the use of volunteer aides on student achievement when comparing anticipated achievement with actual academic achievement. The population included elementary school teachers and 169 student from 2 elementary schools…

Seven alternative approaches used by school districts dissatisfied with the Chapter 1 pullout model are described in this paper. The problems the districts encountered are discussed, and the viability of implementing similar programs in other districts is assessed. The seven programs include two replacement models, two aide-based delivery service…

Presented in this paper are some suggestions for cooperation between the schools and the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for the improvement of children's reading ability. Suggestions for how the school can inform the parents about the school's reading program include: undertaking a long range study of the reading program in the school;…

A training needs assessment instrument was developed by a school district (Lubbock, Texas) with 59 campuses that each plan and provide site-based staff development. The instrument was designed to obtain information regarding self-perceptions of educators' efficiency level in various professional teaching competencies/skills, and their…

Professional development should be part of a teacher's job, and schools should make teacher development an integral part of the teacher's normal activities. Because schools are cooperative, collaborative enterprises, teachers should be involved in the establishment of development programs, should have professional responsibility for cooperating…

In 1986, the Tennessee legislature authorized the Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio (STAR) project. At the end of the school year, interviews were held with teachers from kindergarten through third-grade levels on their perceptions of teaching either in a small class, in a regular class with a full-time aide, or in a regular class. The following…

During the past 8 to 10 years education at Sheldon Jackson College (SJC) has shifted to a theme of culture and careers. This paper describes current SJC programs, as well as some that are being considered. The Culture and Native Study Programs, funded in 1968, began with the teaching of the Tlingit Language. As a result, the First Tlingit Language…

This study examined the effects of training and follow-up training on teacher aides' effectiveness in the reinforcement of reading skills and motivational techniques introduced by kindergarten and first-grade classroom teachers. The following questions were addressed: (1) are trained assistants rated as more effective than untrained assistants?…

The effects are examined of an innovative experience on the classroom practices of teachers who have implemented an individualized instructional model in an externally supported program and are currently teaching in regular public school classrooms where the model is not supported. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and…

Previous research has not statistically analyzed the teacher and classroom structural characteristics related to the quality of Head Start. This study developed, tested, and validated a model to identify the characteristics and beliefs of Head Start teachers and teacher aides and the classroom structural dimensions associated with Head Start…

This paper offers a summary analysis of 4 years of interviews with 1,003 kindergarten and first through third grade teachers regarding their experience in teaching either a small class, a regular size class, or a regular size class with a full-time teacher's aide. The paper uses teachers' descriptions of their experience to explore the effect of…

Paraprofessional workers (teachers' aides) can help special needs students in vocational education classes. In order for them to function properly, they need supervision, which may vary among institutions, but should include some inservice orientation and training. Some of the topics that should be covered in the training of paraprofessionals…