Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Paraprofessional support in Irish schools: from special needs assistants to inclusion support assistants

Rose, R., Zhao, Y. and Shevlin, M. (2021) Paraprofessional support in Irish schools: from special needs assistants to inclusion support assistants. European Journal of Special Needs Education. 36(2), 183 - 197. 0885-6257.

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Zhao_etal_EJSNE_2021_Paraprofessional_support_in_Irish_schools_from_special_needs_assistants_to_inclusion_support_assistants
Zhao_etal_EJSNE_2021_Paraprofessional_support_in_Irish_schools_from_special_needs_assistants_to_inclusion_support_assistants.pdf - Accepted Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial.
Information
Abstract:
Paraprofessional support to enable access to education has developed in differing directions in a range of countries. In Ireland, the role of the special needs assistant has focused on supporting the additional care needs of children with special educational needs to ensure their participation in lessons. The role of the special needs assistant (SNA) was considered crucial as Irish mainstream schools adapted to delivering more inclusive learning environments. Support provision has been recently reconceptualised and within this model special needs assistants are now designated as Inclusion Support Assistants with a very specific care role excluding any teaching activity. This research draws on data from a longitudinal study of SEN provision with a specific focus on the role of SNAs within Irish schools. Findings indicated that the contribution of special needs assistants was highly valued by education stakeholders. It is suggested that the evolution of the SNA role in Ireland can support schools in adopting a flexible approach to create inclusive learning environments.
Additional Information:
This paper draws upon data collected during Project IRIS (Inclusive Research in Irish Schools) a longitudinal study of provision for children with special educational needs in the Republic of Ireland.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3300
Creators:
Rose, R., Zhao, Y. and Shevlin, M.
Date:
15 March 2021
Date Type:
Publication
Page Range:
183 - 197
Journal or Publication Title:
European Journal of Special Needs Education
Volume:
36
Number:
2
Number of Pages:
15
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1080/08856257.2021.1901371
ISSN:
0885-6257
Status:
Published / Disseminated
Refereed:
Yes
Related URLs:
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