Frequently Asked Questions

• Who are paraeducators?
• What types of supports paraeducators provide to students?
• Why do schools employ paraeducators?
• What are the potential problems with the use of paraeducators in schools?
• What parents should ask school districts to consider in utilization of paraeducators who help their children.
• What do parents need to know about one-on-one assignment of paraprofessionals?
• What is the existing research evidence regarding paraeducators that may interest parents?

For articles concerning parents and paraeducators that you may find helpful, check out our extensive Bibliography or our Helpful Links.

• Chopra, R. V., & French, N. K. (2004). Paraeducator relationships with parents of students with significant disabilities. Remedial and Special Education, 25(4), 240-251.
• French, N.K., & Chopra, R. (1999). Parent perspectives on the roles of paraprofessionals. Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps, 24(4), 259-272.
• Giangreco, M.F., Yuan, S., McKenzie, B., Cameron, P., & Fialka, J. (2005). "Be careful what you wish for…": Five reasons to be concerned about the assignment of individual paraprofessionals. Teaching Exceptional Children, 37(5), 28-34.
• Haas, E.M. (1996). Necessity: The mother of intervention. A parent's recommendation for the preparation and use of speech-language paraprofessionals in education settings. Journal of Children's Communication Development, 18(1), 111-114.
• Werts, M.G., Harris, S., Tillery, C.Y., Roark, R. (2004). What parents tell us about paraeducators. Remedial and Special Education, 25(4), 232-239.
• Mueller, P.H. (2002). The paraeducator paradox. Exceptional Parent,32(9), 64-67.