Tag Archives: Richard Finegan

Paraeducators need to speak for ourselves

By Richard Finegan. We contribute to this acceptance of us as professionals when we stop letting the conversation, both in the schools and on the web, be ABOUT us and start being WITH us. We need to speak for ourselves.

Anaphoric cuing: Asking clarifying questions

Comprehension problems are not unique to kids on the autism spectrum, and some practical hints on how to use anaphoric cuing can be gleaned from the literature on reading comprehension generally.

Role of the classroom aide: To help the child toward independence

By Richard Finegan This blog is a collaborative effort between my wife Sara and me.  She does most of the writing.  I do all of the editing, formatting, illustrating (mostly clip art), layout, etc.  Since neither of us had ever blogged or had a website before, it has been a new and rewarding experience. I [...]

Paraprofessional/aide as facilitator in partner/group work

…you must give the child with autism a chance to learn cooperation skills. You don’t help the child who has social interation difficulties by imposing a resolution on every partner or group dispute in which you find them.

A word to college professors

Much to our surprise, this blog is already showing up on web quests, course links, and syllabi in teaching credential programs.    Who knew!!!!! If you are teaching a college or university course, and would like to arrange a question-and-answer session between your class and me or Richard, hit the “contact us” button.  You’ll be directed [...]

For parent and autism organizations

We are delighted to be invited to speak or conduct workshops relating to our blog topics.  If you are organizing a conference, meeting, or group session, feel free to contact us with dates and times.  In general, we tend to stay in Southern California during most of the school year.  However, Sara is in the [...]

Mission Statement

By Sara Finegan When I began teaching in Southern California several years ago, I assumed that the fact that an entire department of my school district was devoted to autism meant that I would be able to get information on best practices and the latest research to support my students in learning.  Accordingly, I would [...]