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Ashley Eaton, M.A.T.
It's the beginning of another school year, and your
child is starting the year off with a brand new IEP
that includes co-teaching for some of his or her
classes. What exactly is co-teaching? Keep reading
to learn all about co-teaching, the co-taught
classroom, and how this will benefit your child.
What is Co-Teaching?
- Co-teaching is when two teachers,
often a general education teacher and
a special education teacher, are paired
together in the general education
classroom to teach and support all the
students in that classroom.
- The two teachers are equally
responsible for the classroom, from
planning to instruction to assessment.
The special education teacher will
ensure students are receiving the
services outlined in their IEPs, that
their accommodations are being met,
and data is collected on the goals and
objectives in their IEPs.
You might be wondering about the "why" of co-teaching. Why are students with disabilities in a
co-taught class, and what are the benefits?
Why Co-Teaching?
- Under the federal law protecting
students with disabilities, students
with disabilities are entitled to a free
and public education in the least
restrictive environment.
- For many students with disabilities,
a co-taught class, with a general
education and special education
teacher in the same classroom, is the
least restrictive environment.
- A co-taught classroom allows students
with disabilities the greatest access
to the general education curriculum
and access to their non-disabled peers,
which has positive social and academic
outcomes for all students.
- A co-taught classroom also allows each
student more one-on-one time and
support from teachers.
A co-taught classroom is a rich, inclusive, and
supportive environment for all learners, with a
great amount of opportunity for one-on-one and
small group instruction.
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