Research Symposium

BIO

Camille is a first-year management student in the Herbert Wertheim College of Business. She is part of the FSU Honors program and FSU Presidential Scholars, where she is participating in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). Her academic interests focus on leadership, organizational strategy, and marketing with an additional interest in the hospitality industry. Through her research, she seeks to utilize and improve professional skills such as project management, effective communication, and critical thinking.

Paraprofessionals Supporting Early Literacy

Abstract

Paraprofessionals are defined as trained staff members who assist
and provide specialized support in classrooms; most often to
students with special needs. However, many paraprofessionals
receive limited preparation or professional training in early literacy
strategies, which may affect their confidence and effectiveness in
supporting children’s language and literacy growth.
We will conduct a qualitative study. It will explore how
paraprofessionals perceive their roles and responsibilities in
promoting emerging literacy among in children in Tallahassee. They
will survey and interviewed about their current classroom
experiences and how they view their role. In this project, we
will also examine the challenges paraprofessionals encounter when
implementing early reading and language-building practices, as well
as the types of training and experiences that help them feel prepared
in their work.

Keywords: paraprofessionals, literacy, support, training, education