About Us

Effective Use of Teacher Assistants - A Module for Policy and Practice Development

Download the module (40 pages) as a Word file, PDF (0.6MB), or powerpoint presentation.
The Word version allows you to (1) adapt it to your needs and/or (2) use it while you are linked to the internet and, thus, be able to use this handout as an auto-instructional resource linking you to a variety of relevant resources on this website.

This module is targeted for persons in a leadership capacity related to teacher assistants. It includes a module document, accompanying PowerPoint presentation and a web-based component. It can be used as an auto-instructional resource by individuals or groups wishing to do research, program self-assessment and program improvement related to teacher assistant legal requirements, policy and practice. It can also be used as a training tool.

Module sections include:

  • How to Use this Module
  • Research Related To Teacher Assistants
  • Legal Requirements Related To Teacher Assistants And Other Paraprofessionals
  • Instructional Team Model
  • Job Descriptions For Teacher Assistants
  • Considerations For Assigning Teacher Assistants
  • Orientation Of Teacher Assistants
  • Professional Development For Instructional Team Members
  • Supervision Of Teacher Assistants
  • Performance Evaluation Of Teacher Assistants
  • Orientation Exercise for Effective Use of Teacher Assistants Module
  • Guided Discussion
  • Bibliography

Most of the module sections are organized as follows:

  • Applicable Legal Requirements and State Guidelines
  • Implementation Strategies Reported in the Literature and/or Reported by RI Districts and Related Agencies in the 2003-04 RIDE Survey
  • Resources on or through the Teacher Assistant Website

Checklist for Policies and Practices on Effective Teacher Assistant Use (0.5MB / 4 pages)
Districts can use this checklist as a self-assessment and basis for making improvements