Collaboration and Partnerships

An important aspect of providing a continuum of services to students with disabilities is the extent to which a special and general education teacher are able to collaborate. This is often referred to as “Consultation” and takes many different forms depending on the specific needs of the students with disabilities. One of the more common forms of this collaboration between general and special education occurs in a co-teaching structure where a general and special education teacher are paired together in one classroom. Co-teaching presents many challenges, but is especially challenging at the secondary levels.

Watch this video on co-teaching and focus on the importance of a shared relationship to facilitate positive partnerships.

Shared respect and collaboration are essential ingredients for effective co-teaching. A co-teaching classroom offers many advantages for both students and teachers. The success of the inclusive classroom often hinges on the two teachers and their collaboration. View the second video on co-teaching and pay attention to how co-taught classrooms can positively impact student learning through flexible grouping and formative assessment.

If co-teachers are able to collaborate in a positive fashion, their co-taught classroom can take many different structures that will positively impact all students.