General education teachers are the most frequent consumers of Teacher Assistance Team (TAT) services; therefore, their satisfaction with the purpose, process and outcome associated with this model of prereferral intervention may influence its acceptability, use, implementation, and effectiveness (social validity). Seven empirical studies assessing…

This guide describes five types of student team cooperative learning activities: (1) Student Teams-Achievement Divisions; (2) Teams-Games-Tournament; (3) Jigsaw; (4) Team Accelerated Instruction; and (5) Cooperative Integrated Reading and Composition. In Part 1, each technique is described in detail. A review of research finds positive outcomes in…

The role of the special educator in collaborative consultation with regular educators is discussed in terms of problems in the practice of consultation, consultation as a mutual and reciprocal schoolwide activity, consultation as a facilitative process, consultation as a routine professional role, and the language of consultation. (DB)

Rural and urban elementary schools implemented collaborative consultation to serve special education students. In the rural school, the special education teacher spends 4 days per week in the classrooms. She spends Wednesdays and 1 week out of 5 testing, writing IEPs, planning, and completing paperwork. The principal, instructional assistant, TAG…

Five assumptions are inferred from the literature concerning the roles and responsibilities of elementary regular classroom teachers in educating low-performing children. These assumptions are used to define the target group of students most aptly served in regular classrooms. Models of partnership between regular education and specialized…

As more students with disabilities move into mainstreamed classroom settings, the role of special educators has shifted from direct instruction to more indirect support of classroom teachers. This article discusses definitions of consultation, the consultation process, consultation models, and situational factors in consultation. (JDD)

Using a teaching case based on an actual experience of a first-year resource teacher, this article explores several issues related to the effective and efficient implementation of collaborative models. It examines forms of collaboration; skills, qualities, and competencies needed; barriers and facilitators; and potential benefits. (JDD)

In placement decisions necessitated by PL 94-142, the multidimensional team approach may be hindered by group problems. The more structured nominal group technique (NGT) is suggested. NGT has six steps: silent, written generation of ideas; round robin reporting; group discussion for clarification; preliminary priority vote; discussion; and final…

This paper discusses issues related to educating children dependent on medical technology. It examines the movement toward greater normalization for these children, the use of transdisciplinary teams to develop specific plans addressing the students' unique health care and educational needs, and possible curricular and classroom accommodations.…

Addresses the importance of family-school collaboration, with emphasis on the changing nature of families in the United States; the understanding and practice of collaboration wherein all of the parties are equal partners; exemplary family-school collaborative models; and implications for practitioners. (SM)

This monograph presents descriptions of six extensively researched and widely used cooperative learning methods and discusses research on the effects of cooperative learning. The term "cooperative learning" refers to instructional methods in which students of all levels of performance work together in small groups toward a common goal.…

Despite increases in the number of middle school using interdisciplinary team teaching, many are struggling to articulate a clear defense of their teaming work in light of confounding and conflicting public demands. This compilation examines teaming in middle schools--its characteristics, knowledge base, current concerns and future adaptations.…

This paper discusses the need for a continuum of services offered within the least restrictive environment, in light of national policy and demographic and fiscal factors. The paper also discusses promising practices in collaboration, new roles for professionals, intervention team models, and emerging trends in service delivery to new populations…

This document profiles 10 successful experiences in nonformal education (NFE) programs across Africa. Common features of the programs profiled are as follows: (1) provide educational opportunities for those who have missed out on formal education; (2) show evidence of learners' acquisition of competencies for work and survival; (3) demonstrate…