Selection, Preparation, and Utilization of Teacher Aides in the Elementary Schools in the State of Utah

This study was designed to compare the methods of selection, preparation, and utilization of instructional teacher aides in the elementary schools in the State of Utah with the guidelines prescribed by the Utah State Board of Education for the selection, preparation, and utilization of instructional teacher aides. A descriptive questionnaire was mailed to each elementary school teacher in the State of Utah to whom an instructional teacher aide had been assigned during the 1969-70 school year. The questionnaire was also mailed to each elementary school principal in the state where an instructional teacher aide or aides were used during the same school year. An analysis of the data was conducted on the following: Criteria used in assigning instructional teacher aides to teachers. Preparations required of instructional teacher aides. Methods presently being used in the selection of instructional teacher aides. Present practices being followed in the State of Utah indicating who assigns responsibilities to instructional teacher aides. Responsibilities assigned to instructional teacher aides. Opinions of elementary teachers using instructional teacher aides as to the procedure they prefer in the assignment of duties to instructional teacher aides. Opinions of Elementary principals as to who should assign instructional teacher aides their responsibilities. The results of the study were as follows: All evidence indicates that the guidelines prescribed by the State Board of Education for selecting instructional teacher aides are being followed by the majority of school districts using instructional teacher aides in the State of Utah. It is evident that approximately half of the instructional teacher aides in the elementary schools in the State of Utah possess the academic preparation prescribed by the Utah State Board of Education. The duties being performed by the instructional teacher aides in the Utah elementary schools appear to be in accordance with those duties they could perform as recommended by the Utah State Board of Education