The Paraprofessional’s Handbook for Effective Support in Inclusive Classrooms

About the Authors

Julie Causton, Ph.D. is founder and chief executive officer of Inclusive Schooling. She is a former professor in the Inclusive and Special Education Program in the Department of Teaching and Leadership at Syracuse University. She has spent the past 20 years studying and creating best practices for inclusive education, with a specific focus on supporting students whose behavior challenges the educational system. As a former special education teacher herself, Dr. Causton knows firsthand how belonging leads to better outcomes for students. She works with administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, and families across the country to help them create inclusive experiences. Dr. Causton is the author of seven books about inclusive education and she has published articles in more than 30 educational research and practitioner journals.

Kate MacLeod, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of special education at the University of Maine at Farmington and founder and consultant at Inclusive Schooling. Her teaching, research, writing, and consulting are guided by a passion for inclusive education and social justice. She is a former high school special education teacher in New York City and now works with administrators, educators, and families around the country to create more inclusive practices for all students. Dr. MacLeod’s research and writing are focused on understanding the culture of inclusive schools, inclusive school reform, and best teaching practices for supporting students with diverse and complex support needs.

Table of Contents

1. The Paraprofessional
2. Inclusive Education
3. Special Education
4. Collaborating With Others
5. Rethinking Your Students: Presuming Competence
6. Providing Academic Supports
7. Providing Social Supports
8. Providing Behavior Supports
9. Respectful Support for Developing Student Independence
10. Supporting Yourself
11. References
12. Index

Reflection

Paraprofessionals play a critical role in supporting students with disabilities. This book outlines their responsibilities, which can include:

1. Supporting educational tasks
2. Providing behavioral and emotional support
3. Facilitating social interactions
4. Assisting with personal care
5. Collaborating with teachers and specialists

The Role of Paraprofessionals Today

Paraprofessionals engage in various responsibilities determined by classroom context:

• Social Support: Helping students make friendships and communicate.
• Academic Support: Assisting with learning new material.
• Physical Support: Providing help with mobility and personal care.
• Behavioral Support: Offering strategies for attention and engagement.

What Does a Paraprofessional Do?

Tasks often include:

Conclusion

Understanding your roles and responsibilities is essential for effective performance. This guide is designed to assist paraprofessionals in thriving in their roles and contributing positively to inclusive classrooms.