This Is AuburnElectronic Theses and Dissertations

An Examination of Teachers’ and Students with Disabilities’ Perspectives and the Efficacy of Co-Teaching

Date

2006-05-15

Author

Hang, Qi

Type of Degree

Thesis

Department

Rehabilitation and Special Education

Abstract

Co-teaching has been developed as an instructional approach to support students with disabilities in general education classrooms. The purpose of the present study was to identify (a) teachers’ and students’ perspectives of co-teaching and (b) the efficacy of co-teaching as measured by student academic and behavioral performances. Forty-five co-teachers and fifty-eight students were selected as subjects. Subjects were asked to answer survey items and interview questions to identify their co-teaching perspectives. Classroom observations were conducted in 15 classrooms. Students’ SAT National Curve Equivalents in reading, math, and language arts from before and after co-teaching school years were compared. This study also analyzed student behavioral records, measured by their absences, tardies, and discipline referrals. Results of qualitative and quantitative measures were interpreted. Recommendations were also offered for future research in the area of co-teaching.