 Federally-funded project  Hands-on science classrooms

Full Option Science System

Standard Score Gains (in terms of actual point gains) for Groups - ITBS Science Cotaught - LDCotaught - Other disabilities Cotaught - non disability Solo-taught LD Solo-taught Other disabilities Solo-taught Non disability

 Offers students with IEPs access to gen ed curriculum ( IDEA & NCLB )  Provides non-segregated service delivery (IDEA)  Provides a content expert and instructional expert to students  Provides opportunity for higher achievement

Major IDEA Principles  Access to general education curriculum  Learning in least restrictive environments  Adjustments to support learning

Research findings not favorable to self-contained classes Regular Education Initiative (federal push for increased mainstreaming) Emergence of co-teaching as viable option

GEN ED TEACHER  Content Specialist  Subject Expertise  Curricular Expertise  Big Picture Perspective SPECIAL ED TEACHER  Instructional Specialist  Learning/Teaching Expertise  Knowledge of Disability  Individual Perspective

 Co-teaching is perceived as a successful approach by most teachers and students.  Benefits to teachers  Academic benefits to Ss w/IEPs  Social benefits for ALL Ss (Scruggs, Mastropieri, & McDuff, 2007).

 Higher quality of science instruction in gen ed setting  More opportunities for learning with 2 teachers and helpful gen ed students

Role Assignment  Lead  Assist  Communicate  Materials

BUT teachers expressed frustration about…  Lack of administrative support  Lack of training  Lack of shared planning time  Lack of voluntary commitment (Scruggs, Mastropieri, & McDuff, 2007).

 Research on student performance in co-taught classes is sparse, diverse;  Findings vary;  Meta-analysis shows small positive effect. (Murawski & Swanson, 2001)

 Get to know each other.  Engage in professional development.  Talk about curriculum, discipline, roles.  Include planning time in schedule.  Plan ahead.  Vary co-teaching models.  Use inclusive strategies.

 Co-teaching is … when a general ed content teacher and a special ed teacher cooperate in the same class to provide instruction to ALL students.

One Teach - One Support Station Teaching Alternative Teaching Parallel Teaching Team Teaching