Case
Co-teacher problems

Ms. Lockard's Pre-K classroom is a co-teaching classroom. There is a special education teacher, regular education teacher, and a regular education para-professional in the classroom. The accommodations that are in place for the students are only being followed by the regular education teacher and the regular education para professional. The teacher has documented this and discussed the issue with administration. The administrators say they are going to follow up with the special education teacher but has not done so. The special education students are not receiving the assistance that they are required to present by law. What should the regular education do to ensure that all students in the classroom receive what they need in order to be successful?

Posted on: 10/18/14 | Views: 999
Solution #1
I would inform the lead special education teacher of the services not being provided. Also, to be safe, I would review each student's IEP for possible changes in services or amendments just in case the general education teacher has not been advised, correctly. Some times meetings are held without the general education teacher and information discussed at these appointments are not redelivered back to everyone responsible for the student. In all, do your research first then let the lead special education teacher know.

This is good to know. I would assume that the general education teacher would sit in on all meeting for special education students in their classroom. It may be worth it to review students IEPs once a quarter to stay up to date.

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Solution #2
The regular education teacher is in charge of the classroom. Unfortunately and very often the special needs teacher does not pull their own wait. If students are not being served and a teacher has told the administration, the teacher will have to put collect specific times and data where the special needs teacher is failing and go back to the administration for help.
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Solution #3
Both the regular education and special education teacher are in charge of following the accommodations for all students within the class. One way to address the concern is to clearly define expectations for you and the special education teacher. One of the expectations that you should address is who mainly works with the special education students within the class. For specific activities, you might also want to address who works with which students just so a standard is set.
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Solution #4
Wow!!! This is first. Most of the time, it is the opposite. I know that you have talked to administration, but try having a conversation with the special education teacher. Since you are willing to assist the special education students more. Until the problem is addressed by administration, you should work more with the special education students and allow her to work more with the general education students.
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Solution #5
Follow their IEP accommodations as the regular education teacher. Remind your administration of the issue at hand. If nothing is done, move up the chain of command until the issue is addressed. If your administration does not take this seriously, a lawsuit is really close behind. Keep documenting your moves and be ready for some heat if you have to move up the chain of command. Also remember you do not have to take a lot of heat for following the law. If this occurs another lawsuit is around the corner.
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Solution #6
I am a supporter of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Many general education teachers and special education teachers collaboratively plan and embed the strategies and accommodations for low and diverse learners. Both teachers should be collected data on the students instead of keeping score of who is not doing X,Y,Z. The special education teacher shares the responsibility with the general education teacher. When one fails to take action, both have failed the student.
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Solution #7
I would have a meeting with all of the co-teachers and review the accommodations that are in place and suggest that they ask questions if needed or make recommendations. If this doesn't help, I would contact the lead special education teacher or reach our to administration again. The students come first, so it's important for all of the teachers to be on the same page about their needs and accommodations.
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Solution #8
I would first discuss your concerns with the special education teacher, they may be overwhelemed and not willing to ask for help. If that does not solve it, talk to administration. Maybe suggest a unannounced observation or a meeting with each teacher and administration.
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