I feel co-teaching is highly effective, especially when teachers are able to reach the collaborative stage. The article describes one form of co-teaching, and defines it as a general educator and a special educator working together. I do not agree that that is the only definition. The article is very clear about the stages, which I completely agree with, but doesn’t clarify the various models that can be considered co-teaching. Co-teaching can be one teacher leading the group while the other monitors; it could be teachers dividing into small groups for rotation, or two teachers teaching simultaneously on the same topic. There are many forms of co-teaching models. It is an excellent way to differentiate, and a does have a great use in special education inclusion classrooms. Personally, I have seen co-teaching used not only for special education students, but also for ELL students. These particular teachers did not start out at the collaboration stage; they disagreed on how co-teaching should look. One teacher wanted to pull the students out of the room and the other wanted them to stay. They eventually worked it out, and not only have the students stay, but they plan together, all students rotate between the two teachers or they simultaneously teach the class. An added benefit to this co-teaching model was the integration of technology. One of the teachers has a strong technology background. He has helped the classroom teacher feel more comfortable and has integrated technology into many of their lessons.
As an administrator there are some difficulties that may need to be addressed in a co-teaching environment. For example, in the scenario above the two teachers were able to compromise and work out their difference of opinion. This may not always be the case. Teachers may not be so willing to work together. An ongoing conflict or difference of opinion could have a negative effect on students learning. It may be necessary for the administrator to step in and help with relationship building. If co-teaching is something that the administrator is looking to incorporate school-wide, it may be advisable to have a professional development session on relationship building among the staff. Another difficulty could arise at the time of teacher evaluation. When observing a teacher is may be difficult to evaluate them as individuals. The administrator needs to go in with the mindset that they are evaluating a “team”, then try to see what each person contributes to the team.
Co-teaching does offer a great model for 21st century skills. Students get to see how effective collaboration benefits the group. This may not be in the front of their thinking, but it’s effective to have students receive this exposure. The co-teaching model may also provide more opportunity for students to use technology. One teacher may be more comfortable and help the other(s) integrate technology effectively, or it may be helpful as a management tool just to have more people to help with the technology equipment.
Co-teaching is an excellent way to differentiate, and something that as an administrator I would encourage my staff to implement.
Though many of the programs were interesting and all have their positive sides and downfalls. I like the idea of Offering Mini-/Elective courses, especially in the upper grade levels. Students will be more engaged and retain more information if the content is something of interest to them. This would be a different concept in my county and would require a lot of effort. I would first ask for a pilot school. It would be important to find topics of interest to the students. We would start with one subject area, then open it to other areas as the program was developed. It would require curriculum writers to take the topic of interest and be sure to align it with the county, state, and Common Core standards. Part of the argument against this model is that it was poorly designed and did not teach the important skills. I feel that if the time is taken to align the standards and be sure that lessons are developed with the UDL method, it will include the skills while capturing the interest of the students.
