SpEd 417/517 Families and Collaboration

Collaboration Issues Defining collaboration M utual goals Recognition/sharing of expertise Team equality Shared decision making, responsibility, accountability

Definition Process –Different expertise areas –Work together –Identify needs and problems –Find ways to meet needs –Solve problems –Due to complexity of needs –Requires knowledge and skills from all areas

Features Shared vision Recognition of unique contribution Sharing expertise Equality amongst team Consensus decision making Shared responsibility and accountability

Characteristics of Collaborators Recognition of complexity of needs and process Creativity arises from team process Process can be pleasant and enjoyable Professional growth can be attained Reflection is important component

Collaborative Problem Solving Process to identify problems or barriers related to the unique needs of the student, the challenges of the educational programming, and the opportunity to create practical solutions

Collaboration Model Identify the issue Generate possible solutions Screen possible solutions Choose a solution to implement Evaluate the solution Salisbury, et.al. 1997

Collaborative Team Special educator General educator Physical and occupational therapists Speech/language pathologists Administrators School psychologists School nurse School social worker Other educational or medical professionals

Team Models Multidisciplinary –Team members work separately –In isolation with student –Assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation developed by discipline area –Advantage - expertise provided –Disadvantage - no interaction required, limited to area of expertise, “pull-out” model

Team Models Interdisciplinary –More coordinated approach –Sharing of information amongst team members –Advantage - Coordinated decision making –Disadvantage - services carried out in isolation –Clinical-medical, deficit-remediation model

Team Models Transdisciplinary –Coordinated services across disciplines –Consistent communication required –Coordinate assessment and planning –Integrated therapy –Role release

Effective Collaboration Membership Space and time Facilitator Format Goal setting Conflict resolution

Paraprofessionals Roles and duties Teacher’s role –Assigning –Supervising –evaluating Issues –Over-reliance –Training

Paraprofessionals Member of team –Space to work –Identity –Proper orientation –Written policies

Paraprofessionals Guidelines –Provide effective collaboration –Maximize utilization –Individualize job description –Scrutinize need –Match needs and abilities –Use natural supports whenever possible –Consider school and classroom –Consider caseloads of supervising personnel –Flexibility –Permanency

Collaboration Exercise

Family Issues Family involvement –include in program development –critical to long-term success Partnerships with parents –goals of parents –family values

Family Issues Cultural awareness –minorities –socio-economics –communication Parent supports