Collaborative Partnerships: Special Education Teachers and General Education Teachers

Learning Team BTameka Lucas McFarland, Denise Johnson, Cassandra Brower, and Jennifer Rigby

University of PhoenixSPE-506: Special Education MethodsMABF04IHT3FAC: Janice BrownSeptember 10, 2006

What is Consultation?• The process of seeking

information about student progress

• Providing resources and references to aid in student achievement

What is Collaboration?• Involves at least two

people• Parents, teachers,

counselors, paraprofessionals, related service providers, medical professionals, and advocates

Similarities in Collaboration and Consultation

• Both provide students with resources and aid in student success

• Involve students, parents, special and general educators, paraprofessionals, counselors, and other related service providers

• Share the responsibility and accountability of the students’ entire educational process

How are they Different?

• Consultations – usually brief and may occur only once

• Collaborations – extends over a long period of time

Communication Skills for Collaboration

• Parity, shared responsibilities, accountability, and mutual goals can not be mandated. They are the resulting evidence of reciprocal relationships.

• (Mercer & Mercer, 2005)

Successful Collaborative Consultation Skills• Create an atmosphere of

mutual trust and respect• Provide non-evaluative

feedback when others are speaking

• Use jargon-free language• Be aware of body language• Give and receive feedback

willingly without confrontation• (Mercer & Mercer, 2005)

Advantages and Disadvantages to Collaboration

Advantages to Collaboration• Both can bring knowledge and skills to the team and share

materials• Special education teacher can provide information to the

general educator about implementing modifications and accommodations in the classroom

• Both can adapt lesson plans and instruction to meet the needs of students with learning problems

• Build rapport with one another and better understand each other’s roles

Disadvantages to Collaboration

• Difficulties understanding the importance of the group compared to the individual (Brownhill, Adams, Sindelar, Waldron, & Vanhover, 2006)

• Knowing how to modify and accommodate course curriculum

• Role confusion• Conflicting views on behavioral management

(Brownhill, et. al, 2006)• Opposing values and opinions of student

needs (Brownhill, et. al, 2006)

Strategies for Effective Collaboration

• Develop an overall plan of action

• Create a Team Charter which includes a plan for conflict resolution

• Signs of appreciation – thank you cards, treats at the collaboration meetings

Collaborative Achievement Involves…

Student

Parents Teachers

ParaprofessionalsCounselors

Medical ProfessionalsAdvocates

Related service providers

References• Brownhill, M.T., Adams, A., Sindelar, P., Waldron,N., &

Vanhover, S. (2006).Learning from the collaboration: The role of teacher qualities. Exceptional Children, 72, 169-185. Retrieved on September 7,2006 from http://web.ebscohost.com

• Mercer, C.D. & Mercer, A.R. (2005). Teaching students with learning problems (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Merrill Prentice Hall.