Bilingual Paraeducators: What We Can Learn from Rosa

Abstract

Paraeducators (instructional assistants/aides) are typically hired from the local community, and increasing numbers are now being drawn from local minority groups. This enhances the linguistic and cultural diversity of the school and its personnel, and provides more culturally appropriate support for students. Care should be taken, however, to ensure these bilingual paraeducators are assigned appropriate roles and properly supported in their work.