Abstract
This survey research investigated the experience of Ohio districts using paraprofessionals assigned to special education students. This study provides a unique statewide description of district experience. Based on themes from the literature and preliminary conversations with educational practitioners in Ohio, the survey conceptualized district experience in five domains: role definition, assignment, supervision, training, and pay. Survey respondents (n = 184) included district superintendents and staff from Educational Service Centers and State Support Teams. Findings, overall, suggest that districts confront challenges in even defining the role of paraprofessional, and that assignment, supervision, and training are often haphazard in Ohio districts; furthermore, that wages are low. These findings suggest that district leadership in Ohio typically pays little attention to the use of special education paraprofessionals. Recommendations are included for research and district-level practice.
Recommended Citation
Howley, Craig; Howley, Aimee; and Telfer, Deborah
(2017)
"Special Education Paraprofessionals in District Context,"
Mid-Western Educational Researcher: Vol. 29:
Iss.
2, Article 4.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/mwer/vol29/iss2/4
