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Collaborative Teaching

A N I L L U S T R A T I O N O F T H E C O M P L E X I T Y O F C O L L A B O R A T I O N I N S P E C I A L E D U C A T I O N

B Y M A R I L Y N F R I E N D A N D L Y N N E C O O K

A W H O L E G R O U P D I S C U S S I O N

Co-Teaching:

Understanding Co-Teaching

Co-teaching in practice

The evolution of co-teaching

Unique Characteristics and Conceptual Confusion

The Evidence Base for Co-Teaching

Professional Roles and Relationships

Co-Teaching Program Logistics

Student Outcomes in Co-Teaching

Constructing Meaning from an Incomplete Knowledge Base

Common Understandings and Differentiated Applications

Professional Preparation and Ongoing Professional Development

Integration of Co-Teaching into Larger School Reform Efforts

Development of a Research Base The Importance of Deeper Understandings

P R A C T I C A L T E C H N I Q U E S T O E N H A N C E C O -T E A C H I N G I N T E R A C T I O N S

B Y P L O E S S L , R O C K ,

S C H E N F E L D , A N D B L A N K S

On the Same Page:

Communication

Conduct an Honest Self-Examination

Use Venn Diagrams to Identify Each Partner’s Strengths and Needs

Analyze Patterns of Communication

Preparation

Develop Protocols for Meetings

Use Timelines

Design Lesson Plans Together

Instruction

Teach Together and Monitor Student Progress

Let Data Guide Decision Making

Reflect on Co-taught Lessons

Conflict Resolution

Respect Cultural Differences

Discuss Minor Issues Before They Escalate

Think First, Act Later

Turn Differences Into Learning Opportunities

INTRO TO

CO-TEACHING11

Communication vs Collaboration

Communication is information being transmitted from one person to another.

(Friend & Cook, 2003)

“Collaboration is a style for direct interaction between at least two coequal parties voluntarily engaged in shared decision making as they work toward a common goal.”

(Friend & Cook, 2003, pg 5)

Co-Teaching

Classroom teacher and special education teacher have a shared responsibility for planning, delivering, and evaluating instruction to a group of general education and special education students (Friend & Cook, 2009)

Occurs in a single classroom where teachers strive to create a classroom community in which all students are valued (Friend & Reising, 1993)

Friend’s 6 Models:

One teach: One observe14

One teach: One assist15

Station Teaching16

Parallel Teaching17

Alternative Teaching18

Team Teaching19

Successful Co-Teaching Tips

Planning

Discuss your beliefs with partner

Willing partners

Attend to details and keep your promises

On-going professional development

Prepare parents

Avoid the “Glorified Aide” trap

When disagreements occur, talk them out

Successful Co-Teaching Tips21

Find a common planning time

Use Google Docs to plan (docs.google.com)

Plan together and plan separately

Agreements can be changed

Work at it (together)

Be flexible

There is no one “right way” to do everything

Be willing to give up total control

Key Characteristics of Collaboration(Friend & Bursuck, 2009)

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Voluntary

Based on parity

Requires a shared goal

Shared responsibility for decisions

Shared accountability for outcomes

Based on shared resources

Emergent – success increases with trust and positive experiences over time

Scenarios

Work in partners

Read your scenario

Discuss

Share

Useful Websites24

http://www.k8accesscenter.org/documents/AllHandouts_000.pdf

http://www.marilynfriend.com/

http://www.cec.sped.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home

http://www.specialconnections.ku.edu/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/specconn/index.php

Remember co-teaching is like a marriage…

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