An Extra Pair of Hands? Evaluation of the Classroom Assistants Initiative says that classroom assistants encourage children's good work practices and enable teachers to concentrate on teaching and lesson planning. Their presence has allowed pupils to be offered a wider range of learning experiences including more interaction with adults, increased practical activities, games and reinforcement of learning.
There are currently 2,600 assistants in classrooms around Scotland. The Scottish Council for Research in Education, commissioned by the Scottish Executive Education Department, is almost 18 months into its assessment of classroom assistants with the aim of exploring the association between their presence and pupils' attainment.
Key findings show that most classroom assistants have a high level of satisfaction with their job, the hours of work and conditions within their schools. Approximately one third of classroom assistants hold qualification in childcare. About a quarter of those covered in the report aspire to become teachers, while others are working towards qualifications relevant to their current post.
The majority of teachers with classroom assistants said they found it easy to work with them and appreciated their flexibility, competence and initiative. Their presence had allowed teachers to concentrate on teaching individual pupils and groups and to expect more from pupils.
Education minister Jack McConnell said, 'Early signs show that this initiative is already letting teachers do more of what they do best - teach. Results indicate the employment of classroom assistants allows teachers to spend more time on teaching and planning, which will improve the quality of education our children receive. They can keep pupils on task and encourage good working practices. They also work with groups of pupils on practical tasks, reinforcing learning and increasing their participation in a range of learning experiences.
'We are committed to raising standards in all our schools and have committed funds for councils to increase the provision of classroom assistants to 5,000 by next March. Secondary schools will also benefit from the extra funding we have pledged.'
