Paraprofessional Training: Working with Students with Disabilities

The purpose of this literature review is to discuss current research related to paraprofessional training. According to Villa, Thousand, Nevin, and Malgeri (1996), paraprofessionals are an integral part of the inclusion of students with disabilities into the general education setting. The general education setting and curriculum can be defined as the place and content that students without disabilities receive and have access to in schools. Therefore, paraprofessionals require appropriate training and ongoing supports to help facilitate success of students with disabilities who access the general education curriculum (Villa et al., 1996). In order for students with disabilities to reach their greatest potential, school leaders must analyze the literature related to supports of students included in the general education setting to ensure that the supports in place are adequate and appropriate to maximize opportunities for success