The changing roles of teaching assistants in England and special needs assistants in Ireland: a comparison

Rose, R. and O'Neill, A. (2008) The changing roles of teaching assistants in England and special needs assistants in Ireland: a comparison. REACH: Journal of Special Needs Education in Ireland. 22(1), pp. 48-58. 0790-8695.

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Abstract

When reporting on those conditions which they perceive as necessary for the inclusion of students with special educational needs, teachers often refer to the importance of additional adult support. The deployment of teaching assistants in England and special needs assistants in Ireland has been regarded as an important factor in supporting national policies for inclusion in both countries. This paper reports on research which through survey and interview methods investigated the working practices of these colleagues and discusses the different approaches to their deployment in schools. It is suggested that whilst there are clear distinctions between the role of the teaching assistant in England and the special needs assistant in Ireland, both play a distinct and essential role in the development of inclusive schooling. The paper considers how two distinctive models of classroom support have emerged and the different ways in which they impact upon inclusion. Consideration is given to the changes which are taking place in the development of classroom teams and the ways in which this may impact upon current and future inclusion agendas

Item Type: Article
Subjects: L Education > LC Special aspects of Education > LC1200 Inclusive education
L Education > LC Special aspects of Education > LC3950 Exceptional children and youth. Special education
L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2832 Teaching personnel
Creators: Rose, R.and O'Neill, A.
Publisher: Irish Association of Teachers in Special Education
Schools and Departments: Research Centre > Centre for Special Needs Education and Research
Date: 2008
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 48-58
Journal or Publication Title: REACH: Journal of Special Needs Education in Ireland
Volume: 22
Number: 1
Language: English
ISSN: 0790-8695
Status: Published
Refereed: Yes
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/1333

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