Teaching assistants are an integral part of classroom life, yet
pioneering research by the authors has shown schools are not making the
most of this valued resource. Evidence shows the more support pupils
receive from TAs, the less academic progress they made. Yet the reason
for this has little to do with TAs. It is decisions made about them by
school leaders and teachers that best explain this provocative finding.
The fully updated second edition of this book draws on the experiences
of schools that have put this guidance into action via the Maximising
the Impact of Teaching Assistants programme. Revised to reflect the
latest research evidence and changes within education, including the
2014 SEND Code of Practice, this book will help school leaders and
teachers in primary and secondary settings to rethink the role, purpose
and contribution of TAs, and add real value to what can be achieved in
classrooms.
Setting out a field-tested process, structured around a coherent and
empirically sound conceptual framework, this book:
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helps school leaders review, reform and reenergise their TA workforce
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provides practical strategies to implement in the classroom
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illustrates key points with new case studies
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provides photocopiable templates and resources to support
decision-making and action.
Maximising the Impact of Teaching Assistants provides much-needed and
evidence-informed guidance on how to unleash the huge potential of TAs,
and is essential reading for all school leaders.
