The PAR²A Center was formed in 1994 as a national research and development center to explore training systems for paraeducators and their impact on paraeducator employment conditions and student achievement. The PAR²A Center developed the CO-TOP Model for delivering training and continues to refine and improve the CO-TOP Curriculum. Ongoing research explores the effectiveness of the CO-TOP Curriculum. Learn more about specific funded CO-TOP projects that provide CO-TOP Training or explore CO-TOP Curriculum.

In addition, The PAR²A Center houses a variety of projects funded from national, state and local sources. These projects consider policies and practices regarding the employment of par educators in regular education, special education, English language acquisition, Title I programs, and early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities. Look at our Our Projects page to explore the various kinds of projects housed here.

The PAR²A Center has also developed and field tested training for teachers and administrators in the supervision of paraeducators. The Paraeducator Supervision Academy (PSA) has been delivered in 32 states and in the US Department of Defense Schools. To learn more about paraeducator supervision and the PSA class for teachers, look at the section on Supervising Paraeducators.

The PAR²A Center has also conducted research on career pathways for paraeducators into educational professions. Several projects support paraeducators who seek careers in bilingual education and special education. Look for the Career Ladders button on Our Projects page to learn more about these projects.

The PAR²A Center works collaboratively with local education agencies, institutions of higher education and the state education agencies to seek solutions to the ongoing challenges of paraeducator employment, career development and training. In Colorado, anyone interested in paraeducator training, supervision, employment, career development, research, and/or policy issues is welcome to contact us.