The Current Status of Training for Paraprofessionals.

This paper attempts to discuss several unresolved issues currently of concern in the utilization and training of paraprofessionals. It examines, briefly, three well-known training programs, and elaborates on a fourth, focusing on the objectives and processes of the training. While there is considerable overlap among the programs, especially in their goals, their training procedures differ substantially. Although they approach the technology of training from different perspectives, all seem to have certain characteristics which mediate for successful outcomes, namely, clear training goals and procedures and some form of preparation for the trainer. The authors offer suggestions on how consumers can select the training program best fitted to their needs. (Author/PC)