WELCOME!!!

NTO Science / Social Studies

Michele Dorsey (ITL, Gen Ed Inclusion)- Longfellow

Rebecca Allwang- (Gen Ed Inclusion) Bryant Woods

Sonya Robinson (Spec Ed Inclusion)- Atholton Elem

Co-teaching in your classroom:

Using your resources wisely

What is Co-teaching?

“When two or more educators co-plan, co-instruct, and co-assess a group of students with diverse needs in the same general education classroom. In addition, both educators co-teach for specific content objectives, with mutual ownership, pooled resources, and joint accountability, although each individual’s level of participation may vary.” (Friend, 2005)

Why Co-teaching?

Co-teaching provides the least restrictive environment for students with disabilitiesStudents with disabilities need opportunities to interact with age-appropriate peersGives all students access to the general education curriculum within the regular education environmentShared responsibility to help ALL students to meet established standards

Two or more Professionals

Two teachers (General, Special, GT, Reading or Math Specialist, Interventionists, ESOL, etc.)Teacher and Related Service Professional (Speech and Language Pathologist, OT, PT, Related Arts)Paraprofessionals working under the guidance of a teacher

Defining Characteristics

Promotes a coordinated delivery of instructionProvides opportunities for shared decision makingLowers teacher-student ratioSupports active roles in teachingIncorporates unique instructional strategiesEngages all studentsMeets the individual needs of diverse learnersEncourages shared classroom space

Promotes Differentiated Instruction

Provides instruction to a diverse or blended group of studentsIncludes students with disabilities (inclusion)Allows effective response to students needsProvides and extra set of hands and eyesLowers teacher-student ratioExpands professional expertise– Each participant’s contributions are equally valued

and participants have equal power in the decision making

Co-teaching Approaches

One teach, one supportingStation teachingTwo groupsAlternative teachingMultiple groupsTeam teaching

Essential Components of Effective Co-teaching

Shared system of beliefs Prerequisite skillsCollaborationClassroom PracticeAdministrative Roles and Perspectives

Roles of the General Educator

Facilitate instruction of content area curriculum Organize record keeping and gradesConsults on-– Lesson content– Effective direct instruction activities– General education expectations

Roles of the Second Teacher (Spec. Ed.)

Provide a variety of instructional strategies , modifications, and adaptations to accommodate students with special needsIntegrates IEP goals and objectives into curriculumConsults on– Lesson format and pacing– Organization of the class– Management system

Roles and Responsibilities of Both Teachers

Develop innovative and effective activities to instruct contentIncrease knowledge of content and processMaintain reciprocal consultationAttend regular planning and training sessionsEvaluate effectivenessShare responsibility for planning, instruction, and assessmentAttend IEP meetings and Parent Teacher Conferences

Roles of Paraprofessional / Intern

Provide support to the teacher and the students in the classroom– Collecting data– Assisting with distribution of materials– Review of previously learned material– Supporting with seat work / center activities

Administer activities prepared by the teacher– Reading or math rotation

So Why Co-Teach?

ITS BEST PRACTICE!!!IT UTILIZES ALL PROFESSIONALS!!!IT WORKS!!!

Not Without SetbacksPlanning Time– Same planning time, use of interns, technology,

before or after school, during guidance/technology, professional development time, lunch, extended breaks (summer)

Time intensive– Planning, Modify, Lesson Plans, Delineate

responsibilities, Make materials, Adapt assessments, Report Cards

Forming strong relationships– What are you beliefs about teaching, grading,

behavior, what are your routines, what is your teaching style?

Howard County Curriculum

MSDE Standards

VSC Curriculum

Howard County Curriculum

HC Vision for Exemplary Teaching and Learning

Project Approach

Approach used unique to Kindergarten focusing on scientific skills and processesStudent Driven Instruction / InterestsTeacher Guidance and SupportInterdisciplinary across Curriculum Areas and connected to the Related Arts Curriculum

Ways to share student work

Application to technology– Flip Cam, iMovie, Digital Camera, E-Books,

Websites

Other– Class books, Posters, Songs and Poems,

Plays, Evening of Excellence…

MOVIE

Kindergarten Goes Green

Questions?????