Education Commons^™

The Paraprofessional Conundrum: Why We Need Alternative Support Strategies, Michael F. Giangreco, Stephen M. Broer Psyd

College of Education and Social Services Faculty Publications

This four-page article describes a conundrum facing schools utilizing paraprofessionals to support students receiving special education. It considers three factors: (a) asked to engage in teacher-type instructional roles, (b) trained and supervised for teacher-type instructional roles, and (c) compensation commensurate with teacher-type instructional roles across six combinations. Regardless of whether or not the factors are present or not it often leads to series of undesirable outcomes. The article suggest a series of alternatives.