DESE Advisory 2014-3 Identifying the Need for Paraprofessional Support

Special Education Technical Assistance Advisory on the use of and training for paraprofessionals.  The purposes of this advisory are to:

• Advise school districts and parents about concerns regarding inappropriate utilization of paraprofessionals.

• Clarify when it may be appropriate to use a paraprofessional, as well as ensuring adequate training and supervision.

• Provide recommended actions and sample tools to increase school district capacity to support students with disabilities.

• Clarify the decision-making process for assigning paraprofessionals to individual students.