This study investigates the current state of inclusion practices in general education classrooms via survey of 71 inclusion teachers currently serving as special educators across the state of New York. Specifically, small group instruction, co-teaching, one-to-one instruction, and planning support are explored in relationship to class size, number…

Despite an unprecedented increase in classroom-based support staff, there are confusing messages about their appropriate deployment and a lack of systematic evidence on their impact. This article addresses the deployment and impact on pupil engagement and individual attention of support staff, commonly known as teaching assistants (TAs), in terms…

This book concentrates on the more theoretical aspects of the Higher Level Teaching Assistant role: professionalism, relationships, statutory frameworks and knowing your limits. It offers guidance and support on fulfilling the standards and succeeding both inside and outside the classroom. The book is divided into the following chapters: (1)…

In training teacher's aides, the following techniques were used to teach behavior modification principles: (1) video tapes; (2) behavior measures of training effects; (3) a behavioral task; (4) attitude measure. Through these techniques, maximum change occurred in trainee behavior. (Author/KJ)

The learning module described is designed for bilingual teachers who want to improve skills at training bilingual teacher aides. The product is presented in both English and Spanish. The scope and sequencing of topics in the four modules composing the entire package is outlined. The activities and resources involved in the use of the module are…

The accuracy of teaching and determination of student progress with and without data collection were measured for three teaching assistants in classrooms for severely handicapped adolescents. Results appeared to support theories that teachers' subjective judgments of student performance are more prone to error than those based on recorded data.…

A primary responsibility of general and special educators is to teach students how to read. In inclusive classrooms, paraprofessionals are frequently utilized to support literacy instruction. Paraprofessionals can be employed to help improve the reading skills of students with disabilities and those who are considered at risk. This article…

The article describes a method of improving the instruction provided by learning disabilities classroom teacher aides. Advantages of the self-recording approach are listed. (PHR)

This document contains 59 individually prescribed instructional modules for use in teacher aide education programs. Each module has six sections: 1) Behavioral objectives, 2) purpose, 3) performance criteria, 4) experiences, 5) resources, and 6) taxonomy. The subjects covered include the use of instructional equipment such as language master,…

Background: Inclusive education/mainstreaming is a key policy objective for the education of children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities. Aims: This paper reviews the literature on the effectiveness of inclusive education/mainstreaming. The focus is on evidence for effects in terms of child outcomes with…

This article describes how one instructor can teach swimming to as many as 350 students with the aid of about 12 inexperienced volunteers. (PB)

Training methods for the preparation of teacher aides are described. (LH)

The conclusions of various studies on the use of paraprofessionals or teacher aides are presented. Although the studies produced little statistical data, logs and reports of numerous teachers and paraprofessionals were used as the basis for this paper. It is suggested that the role of the paraprofessional ultimately depends on his own background…