Promoting Collaboration
Between Stakeholders Involved in Special Education
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“No single education stakeholder group can do the job ahead to transform schools. It will take all of us—teachers, education support professionals, principals, superintendents, school board members, parents, families, government leaders, business leaders, faith-based leaders” —Working Together, Dennis Van Roekel
Melissa Cortez, Charmarie Dotson, Brandi Veith, David Villarreal
SPE/578
Community Relationships for Schools
*Can offer human resources (volunteers/mentors)
Best Practices
- Mentors help build self-esteem of students
- Volunteers can free up teachers' time/be an extra hand
Resources
www.cissa,org
Classroom Management/Teacher Collaboration
Classroom Management
*Have a well organized classroom*Classroom should function well so all can be accommodated
Best Practices
- set rules/consequences
- set up room with "line of sight" in mind
Resource
Teacher Collaboration
*Teacher collaboration can help with less teacher turnaround
*New teachers can greatly benefit from a teacher mentor
Best Practices
- Meetings to discuss lesson plans
- Meetings to help new teachers
Resource
http://www.districtadministration.com/article/benefits-teacher-collaboration
School Relationships and Collaboration
*Involve all who have an interest in students--parents, teachers, paraprofessionals with regular meetings
*Have a learning center with a collaborating staff to help those in need
Best Practices
- Special education and regular education teachers work "together"
- Both groups of teachers can help with self evaluation and share thoughts
Resource
http://www.inclusiveschools.org/improving-collaboration-in-the-general-education-classroom/
Student Relationships and Family Relationships
*Students/teachers must have respect for each other
*Students/teachers must have trust and understanding for each other
Family Relationships
*Take the time to get to know families, build a relationship
*Make sure families know that teachers want success for their child as much as they do
Best Practices
PTA/PTO's in schools help support
End of school year "parent" talent show; teachers and parents can visit in a fun setting
Resource
http://teacher.scholastic.com/professional/bruceperry/bonding_help.htm