Describes a training program for classroom assistants which focused on development of reflective skills. The program used short video recordings of classroom situations followed by group discussion. A framework for evaluating the video situations and discussing them is also offered. (DB)

Guidelines are provided for parents, teachers, and administrators interested in implementing a volunteer program in classrooms or in an entire school system. This guide is divided into seven sections that deal with: (1) benefits derived from participation in a parent involvement program; (2) 10 points to consider in beginning a volunteer program;…

The paper provides guidelines for establishing and operating teacher aide programs in special education. Chapter I considers legal aspects of using paraprofessionals with emphasis on the stance of the Nebraska Professional Practices Commission. A second chapter outlines the roles and duties of teachers and aides, offers sample job descriptions for…

This evaluation report relates data pertaining to the 1975-76 school year. The Good Friends Volunteer Program was established in 1974. During the 1975-76 school year, over 3,000 volunteers in 110 schools participated in the Good Friends program. Duties included giving individual attention to students; enriching programs in such areas as music,…

A study examined how 23 resource teachers who work with paraprofessionals perceived a need to modify the manner in which the aides were used. Results indicated that resource teachers favored expanding paraprofessionals' skills to enable them to conduct more specialized and complex tasks. The development of preservice training models for…

This brief report summarizes results of two British national conferences to allow classroom learning supporters to provide their perspectives of inclusion of students with disabilities in mainstream classrooms. The report focuses on the participating learning supporters' recommendations for developing their work and their suggested next steps. The…

Describes challenges rural school districts meet in recruiting young, talented teachers, particularly those facing tough new federal standards for hiring teachers in Title I schools. Describes how some school districts are meeting the challenge through emphasizing the benefits of rural schools, identifying and assisting high school students with…

Interviews with four teachers, one parent, one assistant, and two ancillary helpers found that classroom teams possess little structure with minimal role definition. Participants erect defenses against the lack of definition and use a process termed "fraternity" to get along with one another and camouflage uncertainties and tensions. (SK)

This report describes a practicum project that was intended to develop, implement, and supervise a building teacher aide training program and to determine its impact on the performance of forty building teacher aides in the Dallas Independent School District. The design of the training program was to improve the performance of teacher aides in…

In order to eliminate some of the titles assigned to paraprofessionals engaged in school instructional matters and to promote a degree of uniformity it is recommended that two types of title designations be recognized, both of which would permit two levels of classification. If the paraprofessional efforts, as written into job descriptions, are…

Based on the author's interviews, on-site observations and the reports of eight participating school districts, the year long planning and development activities of Title IV-C programs, designed to implement RISE concepts, were evaluated. Also examines personnel involved with successful program implementation. (Author/RK)

Explores what educators can do to facilitate effective collaboration with aides who are providing one-to-one support for mainstreamed children with such disabilities as autism and pervasive developmental disability. Emphasis is on the importance of effective planning, careful identification of roles and skill areas, and supervision. (DB)

This monograph is designed to assist administrative school personnel in selecting, training, and retaining the best qualified instructional aides available. It covers five areas: (1) employment procedures--outlining important points under recruitment, applications, examinations, interviews, and selection; (2) payroll procedures--outlining how to…

This report presents results of an evaluation of the bilingual education component of the Emergency School Aid Act Basic Project implemented in 1979-80 in the Dallas (Texas) Independent School District. Findings include: (1) The bilingual proqram was not fully staffed, and many schools were only able to provide English as a Second Language…