Developing Collaboration Skills in Pre-service Teachers: A Partnership Between General and Special Education

Abstract

As P-12 education changes to meet the needs of children and federal and state regulations, teacher education must change to prepare candidates with knowledge and skills expected of today's educators. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and No Child Left Behind Act increased opportunities for students with disabilities to be educated within the general education classroom, thus increasing the accountability of general educators for the progress of these children. Today's general and special educators must develop skills as collaborative educators to educate children with disabilities. This article explores this collaborative relationship, discusses implications for change in teacher preparation, and describes one teacher education seminar designed to provide prospective general and special educators with opportunities to practice essential skills of collaboration.