Date
1-2022
Department
School of Education
Degree
Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction (EdD)
Chair
Daniel Baer
Keywords
special education, collaboration, inclusion, teachers, paraprofessionals
Disciplines
Education
Recommended Citation
Wilbanks, Brianna Noel, "Developing Strategies to Improve Collaboration Between Special Education Teachers and Paraprofessionals: An Applied Study" (2022). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 3365.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/3365
Abstract
The purpose of this applied study is to find ways to increase collaboration between teachers and paraprofessionals in Title I, K-2 schools, and to find strategies to best train teachers and paraprofessionals to address this problem. This research study seeks to answer the following questions: Central Question: How can the problem of lack of collaboration between special education teachers and paraprofessionals be solved at Mountain Elementary School (a pseudonym) in North Georgia? To answer this question, interviews, focus groups, and a survey were used to collect data. Next, the data were transcribed and analyzed for themes. Finally, based on this analysis, suggestions include developing professional development opportunities for teachers and paraprofessionals, providing time for planning and collaborating, adequately compensating special education paraprofessionals, and considering personality traits when creating teacher-paraprofessional teams. The study concludes by offering suggestions regarding the resources and funds needed to solve the problem, stakeholder responsibilities, a timeline of solving the problem, and an evaluation plan.
