The co-teaching model, championed by educator Marilyn Friend, has become a cornerstone of inclusive education. This approach pairs general and special education teachers to deliver instruction together, creating an environment where all students, regardless of ability, can thrive. Successfully implementing Friend’s co-teaching model requires planning, clear communication, and a focus on collaboration.

While there are a number of approaches to providing high-quality inclusive co-teach, not all models are equal. Here's a quick guide:

One Teach, One Observe: frequently, but for brief periods of time

Station Teaching: Frequent

Parallel Teaching: Frequent

Alternative Teaching: Occasional

Teaming: Occasional

One Teach, One Assist: Seldom

As mentioned in last month's issue, the Special Services Department will be sending notices and reports via Frontline, our software package for managing special education timelines and IEPs. Digital delivery allows for faster transmission of evaluation data and other important digital records, is more convenient (and preferred) by many users, and reduces our reliance on both paper and postage.

Here are some details to help parents and guardians understand the process:

Collaboration Portal: Reports completed by Child Study Team evaluators will be shared via the Frontline Collaboration Portal. To read a report or reports shared with you:

Here is a link to Frontline's "Collaboration Collaboration Portal Recipient User Reference Guide" (for Spanish, click here).

Applying for guardianship of a legal adult with developmental disabilities involves navigating both challenges and opportunities. Challenges include the complexity of the legal process, which often requires documentation of the individual’s disability, their inability to make certain decisions, and court involvement, which can be time-consuming and emotionally taxing. It may also lead to difficult conversations with the individual, as guardianship can limit their autonomy. However, it presents opportunities to ensure the adult’s safety, well-being, and access to appropriate resources and care. Guardianship allows the guardian to advocate for their loved one’s medical, financial, and personal needs, providing security and support tailored to their developmental challenges.

"Thinking for Me" is a supported decision-making comic from the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities to help both guardians and students understand this process and make a decision regarding guardianship.

The Monroe Township Public Schools Special Services Department wishes every one of our families, teachers, support staff, administration, and Board of Education members are safe, happy, and healthy holiday!