Table of Contents

1. Introduction 2. The impact of TAs 3. Characteristics of TAs and their conditions of employment 4. Preparedness 5. The deployment of TAs in schools 6. The 'practice' of TAs 7. Conclusions

About the Author

Peter Blatchford is Professor in Psychology and Education at the Institute of Education, University of London, UK and was the DISS Project Director. Dr Anthony Russell is a researcher at the Institute of Education, University of London, UK, and was a school teacher and science advisor. Rob Webster is a researcher at the Institute of Education, University of London, UK, and worked for many years as a TA.