In your experience, is there any research to demonstrate the positive impact instructional aides have in the classroom? Our superintendent stated there is no research that supports the claim having them in our classroom makes a difference.

Peter Blatchford (2012) has done the best research – he claims they are toxic – which is quite strong, but certainly they have a zero to negative impact on the students. Peter has also tried to write how to best use them – see the Education Endowment Website, and his work. Hope this helps” (John Hattie, personal communication, May 24, 2017).