Special education teachers: is it better working with lots of aides or no aides?

Question

Special education teachers: is it better working with lots of aides or no aides?

Answer 1

depends on how good the aides are-I had aides that couldn't help the students follow simple directions like -take out your social studies book.....but many are excellent and a good teaching partner

Answer 2

That depends. In my time as a self-contained special ed teacher, I've never had an aide, even though I think it is necessary for my population. When I worked in an inclusive classroom, one of mykids had a 1:1 aide. The aide was ineffective. The child's behavior got worse under her direction because she rewarded negative behaviors. He did not respect her. The general education teacher and I had a harder time handling him as a result of that. I've also heard of a multiple disability class with as many as 8 paraprofessionals. The teacher always complained about them being ineffective and not having a good grasp of the English language. On the other hand, I know of many excellent aides. There is one in my building now. He is experienced (15 years) and would be great in my class of nearly all boys. He's assigned to another room, though.

Answer 3

Special education paraprofessionals are essential in the effective delivery of special education services to students with disabilities.  Every class typically at least one.  I have worked with up to five aides in a class at a time.  Research has shown that small teams, an average of about 3 or 4 individuals (including the teacher) seem to work the best.  Larger teams tend to encounter more logistical, communication, and personality issues.  However, some classes require several one-on-one aides to support students with severe disabilities.

Answer 4

That really depends on the aides.  I have worked with some paraprofessionals who were unreiable and unmotivated...it took a lot more work on my part to have them in the classroom and their contributions were not worth the time I had to invest.  I have worked with many paraprofessionals who were amazing and worked better with the kids than most teachers...in those cases I would have loved to have had more of them around.