Collaboration and Co-Teaching in Inclusive Education

Candidates will complete one of two culminating assignments using collaboration skills to demonstrate their expertise in general and special education assessment, content knowledge and skills, pedagogical knowledge and skills and evidence-based instructional strategies to co-plan, co-teach and co-reflect on a unit of study designed to meet the needs of all learners. Candidates will learn the theory, research andexemplary practices in collaboration and co-teaching (through coursework and instructor modeling). Through guided practices with faculty in general and special education, candidates will utilize collaboration best practices to co-plan and co-teach data-based instructional plans using a best fit coteaching model to provide access to the general education curriculum based on the social, emotional, behavioral and academic needs of all learners. Specifically, candidates will learn and engage incollaborative process, team development and co-teaching in an environment with a diverse study body including students with disabilities or struggling learners. Emphasis is placed on working effectively with families, schools and community partners, in particular those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Candidates examine specific practices to enhance cross-disciplinary, cross-cultural, andcross-constituent partnerships within inclusive school, community, and other settings. Through active and guided participation, candidates will refine various reflection, communication, problem solving, facilitation and leadership skills necessary to develop integrated special education and related services. Lectures, readings, and in class activities utilize face- to -face and web-enhanced strategies to maximize candidates’ application to classroom and other school settings.

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