ABSTRACT
Collaboration is a style of working and interacting with others (Cook & Friend, 2010) and can take many forms. Sometimes co-teaching is just not a feasible option or is not necessary. In the latter case, this may be due to students who are successfully included in most respects but tend to experience difficulties in one area of a class or are experiencing a temporary problem. In other words, the use of a full co-teaching model is not necessary or is not available. Instructional decisions should always be made with the student at the center of the discussion, over the needs of the teachers or collaborative team. In nearly all instances, however, the use of co-teaching is beneficial so long as the collaborative teaming is effective, respectful, and based on the successful characteristics of collaboration discussed throughout this book. This tenet reflects the belief that co-teaching need not always be focused on the inclusion of students with disabilities.
