As the number of paraeducators employed in education increases, concerns emerge about related practices and the impact of using lesser-trained people with students who have intense educational needs because of either a disability or other risk factor.

This study examines the effects of paraeducators on student outcomes by first documenting the application of skills paraeducators have learned in the CO-TOP Curriculum of The PAR²A Center. It considers: 1) evidence of skills application, and 2) evidence of feedback and coaching provided by the supervising teacher in context.

The study incorporates multiple data collection methodologies (e.g. demographic questionnaires, observations, interviews, self-report, Academic Competency Evaluation Scales) and both quantitative and qualitative analyses in accordance with the complexity of the research questions.

Paraeducator Effectiveness Study Update

For the most recent stage of data analysis, view this PowerPoint presentation on the PES Study.

For more information on this study, email Nancy French or Ritu Chopra.