Communication between special education teachers and paraprofessionals according to Minnesota Department of Education Standards

This action research project examined the competency areas for teachers whom supervise paraprofessionals developed by Minnesota Department of Education. The competency area of communication and its five subsections were the specific focus of the researcher. After researching literature and studies that have been conducted within this area, an action research project was created using survey research along with conducting a facilitated study with five special education teachers and twelve paraprofessionals within one school in southwest Minnesota. Statistical analysis was then conducted to see if any significant change had been made once the special education teachers and paraprofessionals were using all five subsections of the competency area of communication. Although there were no significant differences found between the presurvey and the postsurvey, it was concluded that most special education teachers are already using the five subsections of communication within their working relationship with the paraprofessionals whom they supervise.