Questions about how best to deploy teaching assistants (TAs) are particularly opposite given the greatly increasing numbers of TAs in British schools and given findings about the difficulty effecting adult teamwork in classrooms. In six classrooms, three models of team organisation and planning for the work of teaching assistants -- "room…

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001 introduced new requirements for paraprofessionals, specifying criteria for them to achieve "highly qualified" status. This article describes a study which explored the perceptions of teachers and paraprofessional teams as to whether the paraprofessionals would be considered "highly…

Professionals (N=154) on elementary multidisciplinary teams responded to surveys of their perceptions of effectiveness in performing 10 team functions. Among results were that special education teachers rated themselves highest while nurses rated themselves lowest in perceived actual and ideal effectiveness. (CL)

A study was conducted at two metropolitan South Florida high schools to determine perceptions of 100 teachers concerning block scheduling. Teachers felt that the 4 X 4 block schedule contained too many time gaps for teaching foreign languages, English, and math. Teachers believed block schedules benefitted advanced students more than others and…

The role of interdisciplinary teaming in the induction of new teachers was examined at two middle level schools through the perceptions of three participant groups: new teachers, mentors, and principals. Data collected through a mixed-method design indicated that participants perceived inter disciplinary teams as an integral part of the induction…

A study explored expectations of 80 elementary teachers of the prereferral intervention team process and the need for direct support in implementing proposed interventions. The majority expected to acquire classroom interventions, obtain professional support, and inform parents of concerns. More than half were in favor of in-class demonstrations…

Questionnaires were completed by 103 staff and 76 parents of clients of a day training and residential agency for persons with mental handicaps. Although, in general, respondents felt part of their respective teams, differences of opinion arose with respect to team cohesiveness, and comprehensibility and participatory equality at conferences.…

Explains how and why the Key Concerns in Team Teaching Rating Scale was developed. Suggests how the scale can be used by others who become involved in training for team teaching. Includes the scale. (RS)

The study, involving 119 academically handicapped third, fourth, and fifth graders, examined the effects of an instructional method (Team-Assisted Individualization) that combines cooperative learning with individualized learning in mathematics. Previous studies have found that the use of cooperative learning instructional processes can improve…

Questionnaires were completed by 346 randomly selected respondents (classroom teachers, elementary school principals, school psychologists, and learning disabilities teachers). Analysis revealed that educators generally had positive attitudes toward speech-language services; however, there was some confusion regarding team member roles and…

A study involving 10 British teachers and 6 primary students with disabilities found the teachers saw the provision of learning support assistants as a critical factor in enabling students to be included in classroom activities. The importance of teamwork and effective communication was seen as essential. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This monograph was prepared by a group having many years' experience with the Teacher Corps and the effective establishment of partnerships between K-12 schools and postsecondary schools, colleges, and departments of education. An evaluation is presented of circumstances that help or hinder collaboration between colleges of education and schools…

This study examined advantages and disadvantages of team teaching and elements of successful teams from the perspective of eight teachers and a principal at one elementary school. The teachers were all participants in several types of school teams. During individual interviews, they discussed their thoughts and feelings about team teaching. Their…

Training of interdisciplinary teams to serve the mainstreamed special student was the focus of the California Child Service Demonstration Center System (CSDC). (SBH)