Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education
Abstract
With the advent of Inclusion (circa 1992) predicated on the principle of the “Least Restricted Environment” (USDOE, 2003) and the recent “No Child Left Behind” legislation, schools and school districts around the country began educating students with disabilities in general education classrooms. Arguments for and against the efficacy of this practice flourished among teachers and researchers alike. Nevertheless, state education and local education agencies (SEAs and LEAs) adopted the recommended initiative and began to institute inclusive practices within most of their schools. This service delivery change created a dilemma for the general education teachers who considered themselves unprepared for the infusion of students with disabilities into their traditionally homogeneous classrooms. Clearly, a new approach in instruction was required and, in response to this perceived need, co-teaching was preeminently recommended. The current investigation was intended to assess the state of co-teaching in Middle Tennessee schools. Results revealed a spectrum of perceptions regarding the efficacy of co-teaching. Those predisposed to the model shared characteristics that are discussed in the article.
Repository Citation
Austin, V. L.
(2010).
Inclusive Practices in Tennessee: An Investigation of Co-Teaching in Middle Tennessee Schools,
Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education, 2
(6).
Included in
Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Curriculum and Social Inquiry Commons, Disability and Equity in Education Commons, Special Education Administration Commons, Special Education and Teaching Commons
