Which statement best describes the goal of paraprofessional support in inclusive classrooms?

• A. Increase dependence on staff
• B. Reduce academic goals
• C. Promote independence
• D. Replace teachers

Answer: (C)

Promoting independence is the main goal of paraprofessional support in inclusive classrooms. Paraprofessionals provide targeted scaffolds—such as prompts, modeling, cueing, and organized materials—that help a student access the same curriculum as peers. The important part is fading those supports over time so the student can complete tasks with increasing autonomy and participate meaningfully alongside classmates. They work under the teacher’s direction, implement accommodations and modifications, and help collect progress data to show growth toward IEP goals. This approach emphasizes autonomy and inclusion, whereas increasing dependence, reducing academic goals, or replacing teachers would undermine the student’s development and access to the general education environment.