Co-Teaching

Whittney SmithAdelphi University

Effective PracticesCo-Teaching ModelSpecialized support within the heterogeneous, general education classSpecial education and general education teachers meet, plan, and teach togetherAdaptations in materials, methodology, presentation, and strategyBenefits students with disabilities, at-risk students, and higher functioning students simultaneously

Six Examples of Cooperative TeachingContent Area Specialist ObserverContent Area Specialist FloaterParallel TeachingStation ApproachLarge Group Small GroupTag Team Teaching

Content Area Specialist - ObserverContent Area Specialist presents material to classSpecial Educator makes purposeful observations about a student or group of studentsCriteria is determined before-hand and discussed afterRoles can be reversed

Content Area Specialist Floater Most frequently used co-teaching styleContent Area teacher delivers the material while the special educator floats around the room addressing individual needsSpecial educator also clarifies directions, asks questions, and facilitates the lessonRoles can be reversed

Parallel TeachingBoth teachers are presenting the material simultaneously to a group of studentsThe groups can be divided either heterogeneously or homogeneouslyThis allows for a smaller student to teacher ratio and more individualized attention

Station ApproachA signal is needed to divide class timeEach teacher is presenting a different portion of content material to a different groupAt the signal, the groups switch

Large Group Small GroupEither teacher can take either role (one leads the small group and one the large)These groups could be divided homogeneously and one could leave the roomThis may be beneficial if the content needs many adaptations or accommodations to meet the needs of the students with learning disabilities

Tag Team TeachingThis approach needs ample planning in order to be successfulModels cooperation and teamwork within the classEach co-teacher will take over the lesson at different timesBoth voices are heard throughout the lesson

Roles and Responsibilities in Co-Teaching

Responsibilities of Inclusion Team MembersPlan CurriculumAdapt InstructionDeliver InstructionAssess Student ProgressGrade / EvaluateKeep RecordsParent CommunicationCreate / Adapt MaterialsDevelop Instructional StrategiesFacilitate Test ModificationRe-Teach / Reinforce LessonsProvide Emotional SupportCreate I.E.P.Implement I.E.P.Create Behavior Modification PlanImplement Behavior Modification Plan

Content Area SpecialistSpecial EducatorTeaching Assistant Teacher Aide

Instructional Strategies

Inclusion Classroom StrategiesCourse Outline / Unit Assignment GuideStick to a routine throughout the yearRequire students to use a three-ring binder; make sure all handouts are hole-punchedDistribute inclusion students evenly in classesRefrain from confronting students in front of the class

Inclusion Classroom StrategiesBe sure teachers and TAs have copies of test modifications (Chapter 408)Conduct notebook checks regularlyUse graphic organizersDevelop an interactive study guideAssign critical vocabulary words and concepts at the beginning of a unitWrite notes on board from left to right

Inclusion Classroom StrategiesSurvey the class before erasing notesUse an outline formatWrite homework assignments consistently in the same place or utilize a weekly assignment sheetProvide review guides for exams

Support Strategies for Inclusion Classrooms

ArrangementsCooperative Learning GroupsPaired Reading / WritingReduced seat timeSpecific seating arrangementSpecific Behavior Plan/Cues

Materials / EquipmentBooks on tapeVideos, SoftwareRecorders (Ipods, etc.)Communication aidsComputers / laptops (Neo)Calculators

Curriculum AidsStudy GuidesVocabulary ListsMain Idea SummariesWriting Process AidsPre-Written NotesGraphic OrganizersLearning LogsOrganizational AidsSkeletal OutlinesHighlight Reading MaterialsMulti-sensory Presentations

Individualized SupportFacilitation (communication, movement, thinking)Shortened / Modified AssignmentsOral TestsOpen Notebook TestsRe-word, Re-phrase Instructions/QuestionsPicture CuesMultiple Intelligences

Parent Involvement

What parents wantCommunicationParent open house meetingsParent newslettersNotes in the students plannerParent handbooksClear and concise homework assignmentsA bag of tricks to use at homeUs to know their childs learning style and I.E.P

Evaluate the Inclusion ModelStudent, teacher, parent questionnairesELA and Math Assessments (6th, 7th, & 8th Grades)Social Studies and Science (8th grade)Continued collaboration and reflective practice