2. 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:
4. The Evidence Base for Co-Teaching
Professional Roles and Relationships
Co-Teaching Program Logistics
Student Outcomes in Co-Teaching
5. 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
6. 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:
7. Communication
Conduct an Honest Self-Examination
Use Venn Diagrams to Identify Each Partner’s
Strengths and Needs
Analyze Patterns of Communication
9. Instruction
Teach Together and Monitor Student Progress
Let Data Guide Decision Making
Reflect on Co-taught Lessons
10. Conflict Resolution
Respect Cultural Differences
Discuss Minor Issues Before They Escalate
Think First, Act Later
Turn Differences Into Learning Opportunities
12. 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)
13. 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:
20. 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
21. Successful Co-Teaching Tips
21
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
22. Key Characteristics of Collaboration
(Friend & Bursuck, 2009)
22
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