The DISS project is the largest study of school support staff carried out in the world.

It is the first longitudinal study to analyse the impact of teaching assistants (TAs) on teachers, teaching and pupil learning, behaviour and academic progress in everyday school settings. The findings have important implications for teaching, school management and the education of pupils with SEN

Reassessing the impact of teaching assistants: how research challenges practice and policy   The key text on the findings and implications of the DISS project.   This book reveals the extent to which the pupils in most need are let down by current classroom practice. We present a robust challenge to the current widespread practices concerning TA preparation, deployment and practice, and show how schools need to change if they are to realise the potential of TAs.   With serious implications not just for classroom practice, but also whole-school, local authority and government policy, this is an indispensable text for primary, secondary and special schools, senior management teams, those involved in teacher training and professional development, policy-makers and academics.   Click here to buy.

We've produced a set of short briefing notes on the DISS project. Click here to download.