From Reading & Other Learning Disabilities
A Blog by Dr. Gary G. Brannigan and Dr. Howard Margolis
Throughout the United States, co-teaching has silently become a major model for delivering instruction to special-education students in general education classes. The model pairs a general education teacher with a special education teacher.
Although co-teaching has great promise for helping special-education students, it also has many pitfalls. And the research examining its ability to improve students’ academics is in its infancy; in other words, we have little proof that it dramatically improves academics.
To address many of the issues in co-teaching, Drs. Gloria Lodato Wilson and Joan Blednick have authored a brief, clearly written, insightful book for teachers, administrators, and parents that examines the pitfalls and promises of co-teaching. Especially important for parents is chapter 10, Addressing Parent and Student Issues. In a question and answer format, it asks and answers the following questions:
- What are some of the concerns of parents regarding the co-taught classroom?
- Which co-teacher does the parent of a special-education student contact?
- What kind of homework demands are appropriate for students in a co-taught inclusive class?
- Should parents of children with special needs join both SEPTA [Special Education Parent-Teacher Association] and PTA?
- Are students with special needs accepted by their peers in a co-teaching environment?
- Are students with special needs stigmatized in inclusive classrooms?
- How are the needs of the general education students met in an inclusive setting?
- What do students think of co-teaching?
- How do teachers respond when students ask why there are two teachers in the classroom?
If your child is in a co-taught classroom, I urge you to read this book in its entirety. The reasons are simple: the more you know about co-teaching, the better you’ll be able to influence your child’s IEP and work cooperatively with his teachers. In addition, knowledge of co-teaching will help you determine if it’s progressing as it should and if it’s likely to benefit your child.
To hear Drs. Wilson and Blednick discuss co-teaching’s promises and pitfalls, listen to our radio show this coming Monday, 1/30/12 at 9 PM EST. Below you’ll find the needed information.
Reference
Wilson, G. L., & Blednick, J. (2011). Teaching in Tandem: Effective Co-Teaching in the Inclusive Classroom. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Howard Margolis © Reading2008 & Beyond
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To Help Children: The Special Needs Talk Radio Network
The Special Needs Talk Radio network is dedicated to helping parents and teachers help children with special needs. For a description and schedule of its six shows, go to http://specialneedstalkradio.com.
Dr. Gary G. Brannigan and I host Maximizing Your Child’s Potential (Mondays, 9 PM – 9:30 PM EST, http://specialneedstalkradio.com/maximizing-your-childs-potential).
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Monday’s Radio Show
Co-Teaching: Promises and Pitfalls
- When: Monday, 1/30/2012, 9 – 9:30 PM EST
- Where: http://specialneedstalkradio.com/maximizing-your-childs-potential
- Guest: Drs. Gloria Lodato Wilson and Joan Blednick
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Reading Disabilities: Beating the Odds
PsychologyToday.com wrote that Reading Disabilities: Beating the Odds was one of the three “best books about education published in 2010. Recommend [it] to your friends.” On our blog, an English teacher and author wrote that Beating the Odds “is one of the best books, if not the best book on education published this year.” A Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism called it “a great book.” A parent wrote, “Your Reading Disabilities book is by far the best resource I have found regarding the IEP and IDEA and providing understandable and concrete suggestions and implementation strategies.” Another wrote, your book is “fascinating and effective.” On Amazon, a professor of special education called it “a fantastic resource… well-written, practical… an essential guide.”
The KansasCityExaminer.com cited our blog as one of the ten best special needs blogs of 2010. The Coffee Klatch awarded it a Coffee Klatch emblem, signifying excellence.
We thank these and many other reviewers for their kind words. And we hope that our book and blog helps lots of children, parents, teachers, IEP Team members, and schools. It’s why we keep plugging away. – HM & GB
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