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Paraprofessional Student-Directed Violence and Transfer/Quit Decisions: A Serial Mediation Study of Educator and School Factors

Sat, April 26, 8:00 to 9:30am MDT (8:00 to 9:30am MDT), The Colorado Convention Center, Floor: Meeting Room Level, Room 606

Abstract

Classroom paraprofessionals are hired at higher rates than certified teachers in the US and provide critical behavior support to K-12 grade students with greatest needs. However, research is very limited on paraprofessional experiences with student-directed violence and factors that may mediate their decisions to remain or leave schools. Using a sample of 943 K-12 paraprofessionals, this study examined the effects of violence from students on transfer/quit decisions. We examined the serial mediation effects of staff victimization of students, classroom disciplinary problems, anxiety/stress, and administrator support on transfer/quit intentions. Verbal/threatening victimization indirectly related to transfer/quit intentions through paraprofessionals’ perceptions of classroom disciplinary problems, staff victimizing students, anxiety/stress, and administrative support. Implications of findings are discussed.

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