Paraprofessionals' use of classroom management in a small‐group intervention.

Although previous research suggests the use of classroom management strategies can support student engagement and learning, gaps in the literature still exist including the frequency of classroom management strategies in small‐group instruction. The purpose of this descriptive study was to measure the frequency of paraprofessionals' (n = 94) classroom management strategies within the context of a small‐group intervention for kindergarteners at‐risk of reading difficulties. This study contributes to the field by finding that trends described in previous studies continue to be demonstrated in this targeted instructional setting, in particular, regarding the infrequent use of praise with students at‐risk of academic failure. The results of paired‐sample sign tests suggest that when providing corrective feedback, paraprofessionals were more likely to specifically label the behavior being reprimanded. However, paraprofessionals infrequently labeled the specific behavior being reinforced when praising students. Practitioner points: This study found that trends seen in whole‐class instruction are also seen in the more targeted setting of small‐group instruction.Paraprofessionals infrequently used specific praise or proactive classroom management strategies but frequently used corrective feedback.It is important for paraprofessionals to be trained to manage behaviors because paraprofessionals often share instructional and noninstructional responsibilities with the lead teacher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]