Significant increase in use of instructional aides
The number of instructional aides employeed in Vermont public schools
has risen from 2,931 in 1995 to 4,339 in 2004, 48.1% increase (1,408
additional FTEs). When expressed in relation to enrollment,
however, it is clear this is not simply an increase in the number of
aides, but also a significant change in the pattern of use of aides.
In 1995, Vermont public schools employed 27.76 instructional aides for
every 1,000 students. By 2004, they were employing 44.12 for
every 1,000 students, a 59% increase.
Given this trend, it would likely be fruitful to seek the answer to questions such as:
- Has something about the student population changed?
- Has something about the method of determining the need for instructional aides changed?
- Has a legislative change resulted in a requirement to hire more instructional aides that previously?
Copyright (C) 2006 by Ken Dufort