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Article
Professional development for paraprofessionals on inclusive practices using Disability Studies in Education
Journal of Special Education Preparation (2023)
  • Michelle L. Damiani, Rowan University
  • Casey Woodfield, Rowan University
  • Dr. Brent C. Elder, Rowan University
  • Justin E Freedman, Rowan University
Abstract
Paraprofessionals serve a critically significant role on educational teams, yet often receive the least amount of training among educational professionals. This article details an online paraprofessional learning series created by a team
of special education faculty. The professional development series draws on a disability studies in education (DSE) approach and high leverage practices to situate paraprofessionals as active contributors to inclusion as a social justice
imperative. Aligned to the Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC) Core Competencies for special education paraeducators (2022), topics addressed in the series are: (a) foundations of inclusive education, (b) learner development and characteristics, (c) supporting UDL in the inclusive classroom, (d) supporting
specialized instruction for the inclusive classroom, and (e) learning environments and behavior support. We offer research-based strategies to build paraprofessionals capacity for inclusion through a lens of social justice and equity. This article can serve as a resource for paraprofessionals, and a model of bridging research-to-practice for special education faculty and administrators seeking to increase continuity across pre-and in-service teacher preparation and paraprofessional professional development.
Keywords
  • Disability Studies in Education,
  • Inclusive Education,
  • Paraprofessionals,
  • Professional Development
Publication Date
Winter December 1, 2023
DOI
DOI:10.33043/JOSEP.3.3.16-27 openjournals.bsu.edu/JOSEP
Citation Information
Damiani, M. L., Woodfield, C., Elder, B. C., Freedman, J. E. (2023). Professional development for paraprofessionals on inclusive practices using disability studies in education. Journal of Special Education Preparation, 3(3), 6-27. https://doi.org/10.33043/JOSEP.3.3