2024 TASH Conference: Full Schedule

Welcome to the official website for the 2024 TASH Conference!

Each year, the TASH Conference brings together our constituents to share resources and success stories, learn about field-driven best practices, and network within a community engaged in shared values. The Conference is attended by passionate leaders, experts, and advocates from every corner of the disability community. Conference attendees are influential in their fields and communities, and play an important role in the provision of services and supports for individuals and organizations around the world; and include professors and researchers from leading institutions; those involved in local, state, and federal governments and public policy; special and general educators, and school administrators; self-advocates, adult service providers; students, family members, and many others. This year’s conference theme is Celebrate Together: Let the Good Times Roll!

Click on the "Registration and More" tab for additional information about our Conference location, registration, reserving a guest room, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, and more! The full Conference schedule is now available for viewing. Registered attendees will receive an invitation to log in and create a personalized schedule.

3:00pm CST

Bridging Beliefs and Guidelines: Exploring Educators' Views on Paraprofessional Implementation

Saturday December 7, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST

4TH Floor - Imperial 11

This study investigated the alignment between special education teachers' beliefs and professional guidelines regarding the roles and responsibilities of paraprofessionals. Paraprofessionals, essential in providing support to students with disabilities, often receive inconsistent training and are assigned varied tasks across educational settings. Through a national survey of certified special education teachers, this research explored how educators' beliefs align with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) guidelines and explores differences in these beliefs across various educational placements (general education, resource, self-contained, and separate schools). The findings reveal significant variations in alignment, with higher agreement observed in inclusive settings. This study underscores the need for tailored professional development to enhance paraprofessional support and highlights the impact of educational context on teachers' perceptions and expectations.

Presenters

Mary Mansouri

Doctoral Student, University of Kansas - Department of Special Education

Mary Curran Mansouri is a doctoral student at the University of Kansas in the Department of Special Education. Her research focuses on inclusive education and understanding interactions that enhance learning and socialization for students with complex support needs.

Saturday December 7, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 11 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Breakout Sessions

Primary Topic Inclusive Education
Themes of Interest Capacity Building for Inclusion
Key Words Paraprofessionals, Teacher Beliefs, Inclusive Education, Students with Complex Support Needs, Teacher Preparation
Presentation Type Research