Archived: Elements of Good Paraprofessional Practice

A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

Roles for Education Paraprofessionals in Effective Schools - 1997

The roles that paraprofessionals play in effective schools are numerous and varied. Most wear several hats in the organization.

Ensuring that their work contributes appropriately to achieving the school's mission requires attending to five important factors:

Clear definitions of roles and responsibilities that align diverse responsibilities, time allocations, teacher direction, and formal supervision
Appropriate job qualifications that take into account anticipated work demands and training opportunities
Ongoing professional development that links with role expectations and broader program needs
Organizational support that coordinates formal and informal structures to enhance their coherence and effectiveness
Career ladders that nurture and sustain the ambitions of paraprofessionals who wish to become certified teachers

The sections that follow explain how these factors influence paraprofessionals' work.
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