Discuss the importance of collaboration, community supports, and
strategies to be non-defensive
Importance of Collaboration
Collaboration within special education is critical since it provides educators
from different subject areas or disciplines to share their experiences and
expertise. Collaboration across multiple disciplines provides the student
with diverse needs a tailored, personalized instruction using the appropriate
accommodations, support, and resources. Effective collaboration assists
special needs students to develop not only increased academic outcomes
but also positive social and emotional outcomes for the student. Therefore,
it is important for ESE specialists, special education teachers, therapists,
parents, and other support staff to collaborate and effectively address each
student’s unique strengths and areas of instructional need. For example,
collaboration is imperative while creating an Individualized Education Plan
(IEP) that will outline specific goals, accommodations, services, and
necessary support for an individual student. Since students with disabilities
often have complex needs, a multidisciplinary team is needed in order to
collaborate various aspects pertaining to the academic, social/emotional,
independent functioning, communication, health, and transitional services.
