A Critical Look at Co-Teaching Practices at the Secondary Level

• In Event: Poster Session 4
  In Poster Session: Section 1: Leadership

Abstract

The purpose of special education is to ensure that students with disabilities are provided a free appropriate public education, while accessing the general education curriculum and receiving specialized instruction to address their unique learning needs. To maintain compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2010) schools are adopting inclusive co-teaching practices that integrate students with disabilities into general education classrooms. This study replicated and extended a previous study conducted by Keefe and Moore (2004). It included interviews with special education administrators, observations of co-taught content area classrooms, and interviews with co-teachers regarding their perspective of the co-teaching model. The major factors that emerged included the importance of a shared professional philosophy, compatible instructional practices, and administrative support.

Author

• Shanna E. Takacs, Loudoun County Public Schools