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Training of Paraprofessionals Educating Learners with Autism Across Environments |
Tuesday, August 14, 2007 |
1:00 PM–1:50 PM |
Stateroom |
Area: AUT/EDC; Domain: Applied Behavior Analysis |
Chair: Laura J. Hall (San Diego State University) |
Discussant: Jane S. Howard (San Diego State University) |
Abstract: This symposium addresses a critical component in the effective education of many learners with autism spectrum disorders, the skills of paraprofessionals who interact with them in educational contexts. This sequence of studies focus on the effective use of prompts by paraprofessionals evaluated across settings. Transfer of training is also evaluated using mutliple-baseline designs. The settings addressed include preschool classrooms, public school playgrounds and the homes of young children with autism spectrum disorders. The paraprofessionals are employed by public schools, an early intervention agency and a private, nonprofit agency. The effect of a training package that included a workshop and on-site feedback from the supervising teacher on effective use of prompting was evaluated. The effect of prompting strategies on child outcome is presented as a link to the effects of training. |
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What we know about paraprofessional training models. |
LAURA J. HALL (San Diego State University) |
Abstract: Public school preschool classrooms for children with autism are frequently staffed by paraprofessionals with limited skills in the use of effective prompting. Early intervention programs also employ interventionists with limited behavioral skills. Research on a) the effects of training paraprofessionals and b) on the implementation of strategies from theory to practice will be reviewed. |
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Generalization of Effective Prompting Strategies by Paraprofessionals in Public Preschool Classes. |
CATHERINE E. POPE (San Diego State University), Gretchen S. Grundon (San Diego State University), Laura J. Hall (San Diego State University) |
Abstract: Recent research has suggested that paraprofessionals in early childhood special education settings want and need more training. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a training model designed to teach paraprofessionals to prompt learners with autism in public school preschool classes. A multiple-baseline design across settings was used to evaluate the effects of a workshop and feedback on prompting skills by five paraprofessionals. Results demonstrated that the training package that included feedback from supervising teachers resulted in increased effective use of prompting across activities. |
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The Generalization of Training on Prompting Techniques by Paraeducators working in the Home. |
AMANDA BALDERAMA (San Diego State University), Laura J. Hall (San Diego State University) |
Abstract: A training package consisting of a workshop and feedback was evaluated on the effective use of discrete trail teaching in an in-home program for a 2 year-old with autism spectrum disorder. A multiple-baseline design across settings was used to assess the skills of the paraeducator working in the home. A discussion of this paraprofessional training model will conclude the presentation. |
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