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ZENODO
Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Perspectives on Special Education in the United States: Paraprofessionals, Policy, and Inclusive Practice

Authors: Torres, Joseph L.; Mira, Junafel P.; Tulabing, Dur Ann Duran; Rebutazo, Judelyn P.;

Perspectives on Special Education in the United States: Paraprofessionals, Policy, and Inclusive Practice

Abstract

Abstract: This research paper presents a qualitative systematic review of current perspectives on special education in the United States, with a specific focus on the evolving role of paraprofessionals, inclusive education practices, and systemic policy and implementation challenges. Drawing from 20 peer-reviewed scholarly sources, the study employs thematic analysis to explore how paraprofessionals support students with disabilities and how their contributions intersect with teacher preparation, collaborative teaching models, and educational policy. Key themes include the need for clearly defined paraprofessional roles, ongoing professional development, and enhanced collaboration between teachers and support staff. The findings highlight how effective paraprofessional deployment—when paired with well-aligned policies and team-based instructional strategies—can significantly improve student outcomes in inclusive classrooms. Additionally, the review identifies critical gaps in training and systemic support that hinder inclusive practice implementation. This paper concludes by recommending future research into training models, role delineation, and long-term impacts of paraprofessional involvement on academic and behavioral success. The study contributes to the discourse on inclusive education by emphasizing the importance of equity, support systems, and policy coherence in shaping effective special education frameworks. Keywords: special education, paraprofessionals, inclusive education, teacher collaboration

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    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
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    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
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    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green