How Training Impacts Special Education Paraprofessionals: A Phenomenological Research Study

The purpose of this phenomenological research study was to describe the perceived effect that training had on special education paraprofessionals at a suburban public middle school in the south-central region of the United States of America. Qualitative research was conducted with 7 participants, utilizing demographic surveys and interviews. The researcher found that paraprofessionals wanted more training, that training increased perceived job satisfaction and perceived job efficacy, and that training impacted perceived job retention. Additional sub-themes were found related to each of these themes. Additional training should be carried out with special education paraprofessionals to increase their perceived job satisfaction, perceived job efficacy, and perceived job retention. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]