Strategic Co-Teaching in Your School

Using the Co-Design Model

by

Robert S. Isherwood, Ed.D.
and
Joseph Merhaut, Ed.D.
Slippery Rock University

Contents

• About the Authors
• Foreword
• Preface
• Acknowledgments

I Foundation

1. Brief Overview of Special Education
2. The Legal System’s Impact on Inclusion

II The Co-Design Model for Collaborative Instruction

3. Explanation of the Model
   • The Nine Elements of the Co-Design Model
4. Leadership
5. Assembly of Site
6. Curriculum Knowledge
7. Co-Instruction
8. Classroom Management
9. Adaptations, Accommodations, and Modifications
10. Assessment
11. Personality Types
12. Co-Design Time

The Four Pathways for Implementation

13. Co-Teaching
14. Differentiated Instruction
15. Technology
16. Scaffolding

III Conclusion

17. Training and Professional Development
18. Measuring Success and Closing Thoughts
19. Appendix of Blank Forms
20. Annotated Bibliography
21. Index

About the Authors

Richael Barger-Anderson, Ed.D., is an associate professor of special education at Slippery Rock University. She served as a special education teacher and has written several grants in the areas of inclusion and collaboration.

Joseph Merhaut, Ed.D., is an associate professor of special education at Slippery Rock University and Chairman of the Department of Special Education. He was a special education teacher and school administrator for several years before transitioning to full-time faculty.

Foreword

Public education in America has evolved rapidly, changing the landscape of teaching and learning. Collaboration among school personnel is critical to successful co-teaching practices. The Co-Design Model can guide educators in providing appropriate education for diverse learners.

Preface

The authors aim to promote collaborative, research-based practices via the Co-Design Model, which can be implemented across different educational levels. Continuous support for faculty is essential, and the model may be useful for preservice teacher training and professional development.

Chapter 3 - Explanation of the Model

Collaboration is essential for school improvement. The Co-Design Model for collaborative instruction emphasizes mutual respect, trust, open communication, and shared responsibilities for achieving common educational goals.

Elements of the Co-Design Model

1. Leadership
2. Assembly of Site
3. Curriculum Knowledge
4. Co-Instruction
5. Classroom Management
6. Adaptations, Accommodations, and Modifications
7. Assessment
8. Personality Types
9. Co-Design Time

Pathways for Implementation

1. Co-teaching
2. Differentiated Instruction
3. Technology
4. Scaffolding

Conclusion

The Co-Design Model offers research-based approaches for establishing a collaborative, inclusive program that meets the needs of all students. Effective implementation can lead to a less restrictive environment and improved student achievement.

References

• Barger-Anderson, R., Isherwood, R., & Merhaut, J. (2010) The Co-Design Model: A collaborative approach to inclusive education.
• Tomlinson, C.A. (1999). The differentiated classroom: Responding to the needs of all learners.

Excerpted from Strategic Co-Teaching in Your School: Using the Co-Design Model