1. How to Implement Co-Teaching in the Elementary Classrooms

2.  Co- Teaching is a method of providing appropriate inclusion settings for students with disabilities  It is a means of providing teaching and support in the regular classroom  It is a collaborative effort between two professionals in planning and implementing curriculum standards for the success of all students

3.  Professionals who can collaborate together in lesson planning and implementation  Professionals who can share responsibilities and students  Professionals who have similar teaching philosophies in class management and student outcome.  It’s a balancing act

4.  One Teaches while one observes  Great for behavior analysis  Great for teacher feedback  Drawbacks: One teacher has all the responsibilities  Students do not recognize two teachers in the room

5.  A recommended approach to co-teaching  Small groups rotate between both teachers and independent stations  Drawbacks:  Room size matters  Student noise and off task behaviors can escalate if not properly taught in the procedures

6.  Both Teachers work with equal sized groups of students and teach the same lesson simultaneously  Drawbacks:  The noise level can be distracting to to students who have difficulty attending.  A large classroom setting is needed

7. OOne teacher instructs a larger group of students while the other teacher instructs a smaller group on the same material. Teachers would need to switch off teaching each group over time to ensure students see both as an equal teacher in the room. This is a great option for behavior management. Drawbacks: TThe smaller group may be stigmatized

8.  Both teachers instruct the classroom at the same time sharing the responsibility of the lead instruction. It is like a choreography of two teachers (Friend, 2008) Drawbacks  There is no individualized small group time that is necessary for some students

9.  This has been the traditional method of providing services in a classroom to students with educational needs. Drawbacks: Students and teachers are not seen as equals One teacher carries the larger responsibility of teaching the classroom.

10.  All Students  Teachers share responsibilities  More curriculum content can be covered

11.  1. Who would I team with? Do I have a say?  2. When do we find time to plan together?

12.  Do you have identified LD students in your classroom?  Do you have behavioral concerns in your classroom?  Do you enjoy collaborating with a colleague and sharing responsibilities?  You’re a great fit for Co-teaching!

13.  Lower level elementary Because class sizes are so small and each level has two teachers, you could combine classes for subjects you’d like to co-teach.  Upper level elementary Co-teaching can be done with an educational therapist on Tuesday and Thursday mornings

14.  Teaming  Station Teaching  One Teach One assist  Alternative Teaching  Most of your rooms can handle these approaches. These options provide equal responsibility and alternating responsibility options so teacher strengths can be maximized

15.  Small group time Work together with your colleagues to discuss the following: 1. What type of co-teaching interests you the most? 2. Can your room size support the type of co- teaching you want to implement? 3. How would planning and teaching responsibilities be shared?

16.  We promise to support your decision to co- teach by:  Providing the materials you will need  Providing you shared planning time (during your weekly movie time or grouping your Art and PE classes)  Providing you in-service training on management and implementation of techniques

17.  Video in-service training  Observe co-taught classes at St. Luke’s School  Attend Volusia County training classes

18. 1. Teacher decisions by October 30 2. Training, planning and schedule changes through December 2009. 3. Implementation by January 6, 2010 4. Evaluation and review process (continual through June 2010). 5. Follow up training and refining of techniques will occur during weekly faculty meetings as determined by the principal.

19.  Our student body profile is changing  Our educational needs are growing  The need for classroom support is evident  Your strengths can be utilized more effectively  Your sanity can be maintained when two heads collaborate

20. Your students are worth your effort and You are worth our effort !