Successful Strategies for Sp-Ed Co-Teaching

Objectives

1. What is co-teaching?

2. What does co-teaching look like?

3. What collaboration skills do teachers need to successfully co-teach?

4. What does co-teaching planning structure look like?

5. What are the administrative guidelines?

What is Co-Teaching

Certified educators sharing in the instructional delivery for students with disabilities and their nondisabled peers

The pairing of general and special education teachers in the general education classroom

A service delivery approach – one way to deliver services to students

Involves two or more educators who plan and deliver instruction as equals within one educational setting to a group of students

What Co-Teaching is Not

The special education teacher in the general education classroom in the role of a paraprofessional.

The paraprofessional in the general education classroom in the role of a certified teacher

Simply two teachers in the classroom (no change in instruction, learning, or roles)

Special education teacher serving as an in-class tutor for one or two students

Six Co-Teaching Approaches

One Teach, One ObserveOne Teach, One AssistStation TeachingAlternative TeachingParallel TeachingTeam Teaching

One Teach, One Observe

Teachers decide in advance what data needs to be collected and the purpose of the data.

Teachers analyze data and make instructional decisions based on data

(Data-based decision making or DBDM)

One Teach, One Assist

One teacher provides the instruction –has the primary responsibility for teaching

The second teacher monitors and assists students as needed

This model is often used and is not the most effective. Without careful planning the second teacher assists without long-term learning occurring

Station Teaching

Learning centersTeachers divide content and studentsStudents move from one center to nextCan have two centers and all students

at a center or three or more centers with independent work centers included

Alternative Teaching

One teacher teaches large group

Second teacher teaches small group that needs additional instruction (typically with the same instructional focus)

Parallel Teaching

Teachers are both teaching the same information, but the class is divided.

Typically done simultaneouslyHelps with pupil-teacher

ratio/questioning

Team Teaching

Both teachers delivering the same instruction – at the same time

Can be complex but interestingThink of “tag teaching” (without

the bells – and the wrestling –as in tag wrestling)

What do you think students’ perceptions are about having two teachers in the room?- Take 3-4 minutes to read the article, “What Kids Say about Inclusion”

- Sticky Note: Write something that surprised you, or something that you found interesting.

- When directed, find someone across the room and share your comments.

Co-Teacher Planning

Phase 1 – Curriculum Outline (General Ed. Teacher/PLC)

Phase 2 – Instructional Delivery (General Ed./Sp.Ed teacher)

Phase 3 – Individual Adjustments (Sp.Ed. Teacher)

Administrative Guidelines

Campus Administrators must have a strong understanding of the co-teaching model because they are responsible for: Addressing program challenges Evaluating co-teach partners and

implementation Creating a campus schedule that supports

co-teaching

Benefits of Co-teaching

Develops an appreciation for diversity Develops teamwork skills Addresses diversity in learning styles On your exit ticket, write three benefits you

believe exist within the co-teaching environment.

1. 2. 3.