A Mixed-Method Study Examining the Use of Special Education Teaching Assistants

• In Event: 31.091 - Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: 31.091-12 - Evaluating Instruction-Focused Programs and Strategies

Abstract

A small number of studies have examined teaching assistants (TAs) in terms of their role, however no studies to date comprehensively explore the specific activities that TAs engage in across their workday. The purpose of this mixed method study is to examine the use of special education TAs across three schools in a Midwestern school corporation. More specifically, this study compares the perceived use with the actual observed use of TAs. Findings from this study revealed that TAs engage in a variety of tasks and activities that vary across schools. Additionally, key similarities and differences were found between the perceived utilization and the actual utilization of the TAs. Implications of these findings and future directions are discussed.

Authors

• Heidi R Cornell, Wichita State University

• Allison Ann Howland, Indiana University

• Mark van Dyk