Plan for Collaboration

In order for students with disabilities to be successful in the general

education classroom, it is essential that both the general education and special

education teachers take an active role in their lives. It is important for students with

disabilities to work on their unique needs, with a special education teacher, outside

of the general education classroom. However, these students spend the majority of

their time with the general education teacher and their peers, and this is significant

for their academic and social growth as well. The general education teacher plays an

important role in the practice of inclusion with their students with disabilities.

As a general education teacher, I intend to remain in constant

communication with the special education teachers at my school. I will undoubtedly

have students with disabilities in my classroom and my hope for them is that they

are able to find success and confidence. Collaboration with the special education

teachers is the key to providing them with the tools that they need to be successful.

As their general education teacher, I am with them more often, meaning that I can

more easily identify students’ strengths and difficulties in regards to both academic

and social aspects. It is essential that I share my personal observations with the

special education teachers in order for them to develop individualized education

plans (IEPs) that are conducive to the unique needs of each of their students.

Additionally, I believe that attending students’ IEP meetings is very important

because it will give me the opportunity to share my ideas, as well as to listen to and

consider the perspectives of parents and other staff members.

Kaytlin Furlong