What Is the Role of Special Education Teachers in the Classroom?

In response to laws concerning the education of students with disabilities, the approach of inclusion teaching has brought special education teachers into the mainstream classroom and the role of inclusion teacher.

Laws

The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) states that students with disabilities have the right to receive public education in the least restrictive environment. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) further prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities.

IEPs

Individual Education Programs, or IEPs, are individualized programs tailored to the needs of each special needs student. Required by law for every special needs student, IEPs are the responsibility of the special education teacher to implement.

Documentation of Progress

The progress of special needs students must be assessed and documented continuously to ensure the effectiveness of the IEP.

Direct Instruction

Inclusion teachers also ensure that special needs students receive adequate individual instruction and attention.

Teacher Collaboration

Inclusion teachers must work in collaboration with the classroom teacher. Cooperation between teachers produces the most beneficial learning environment for the students.

References

• "Becoming a Teacher in a Field-Based Setting, 3rd edition"; Wiseman, Knight, and Cooner; 2005
• "Educational Psychology: Theory and Practice, 8th edition"; Robert E. Slavin; 2006
• Parrot Publishing: Collaborative Teaching: Special Education for Inclusive Classrooms