Rural aide model: A method for serving the rural student with handicaps

Abstract

The challenge of appropriately serving children with handicaps who reside in rural areas is being answered in part by a rural aide training model developed by staff at Teaching Research in Monmouth, Oregon. The Rural Aide Model was designed to serve Oregon's developmentally disabled population, and uses an aide or paraprofessional who is trained in the components of the Teaching Research Data-Based Classroom Model. The approach involves supervision of the rural aide by a certified teacher in the school in whose classroom the student with handicaps and his rural aide work. Personnel interested in implementing this approach are trained in a five-day session accompanied by two follow-up visits to the aide's own work site. Training involves hands-on practica along with lecture and seminar sessions. Training is provided which assists the rural aide in assessment procedures, program planning and evaluation of student progress. Behavior modification techniques are woven throughout the instructional model.