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 disabilities Students with disabilities need opportunities to interact with age-appropriate peers Gives all students access to the general education curriculum within the regular education environment Shared 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 instruction Provides opportunities for shared decision making Lowers teacher-student ratio Supports active roles in teaching Incorporates unique instructional strategies Engages all students Meets the individual needs of diverse learners Encourages shared classroom space

Promotes Differentiated Instruction Provides instruction to a diverse or blended group of students Includes students with disabilities (inclusion) Allows effective response to students needs Provides and extra set of hands and eyes Lowers teacher-student ratio Expands professional expertise –Each participant’s contributions are equally valued and participants have equal power in the decision making

Co-teaching Approaches One teach, one supporting Station teaching Two groups Alternative teaching Multiple groups Team teaching

Essential Components of Effective Co-teaching Shared system of beliefs Prerequisite skills Collaboration Classroom Practice Administrative Roles and Perspectives

Roles of the General Educator Facilitate instruction of content area curriculum Organize record keeping and grades Consults 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 needs Integrates IEP goals and objectives into curriculum Consults on –Lesson format and pacing –Organization of the class –Management system

Roles and Responsibilities of Both Teachers Develop innovative and effective activities to instruct content Increase knowledge of content and process Maintain reciprocal consultation Attend regular planning and training sessions Evaluate effectiveness Share responsibility for planning, instruction, and assessment Attend 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 Setbacks Planning 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 processes Student Driven Instruction / Interests Teacher Guidance and Support Interdisciplinary 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?????