The Arkansas Department of Education, Special Education Unit, will provide a variety of training opportunities on the use of co-teaching, a strategy that supports general education teachers in their efforts to successfully teach students with special needs in regular content classrooms. Training opportunities are available for district personnel who are beginning Co-Teachers, as well as for experienced Co-Teachers who are seeking to improve their programs.
Districts that choose to participate in any of these training sessions should send their personnel in co-teaching building teams. These teams must consist of a special education teacher and at least one general educator. Since administrative support is critical to the success of this strategy, building administrators are asked to attend. If an administrator cannot attend the training, he/she is asked to submit a letter of support with the team's registration application.
The training is provided to districts at no charge. Reimbursement for up to six substitutes per district will be available, if needed. To qualify for the reimbursement, both participants must attend the entire session. Any additional expenses will be the responsibility of the participating school district.
There will be limited space available, so reservations will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The training sessions available are contained in an attachment below, as well as, the registration form.
To register, complete the attached registration form and return it by mail, FAX or as an e-mail attachment. Applicants will receive a written confirmation with more details about the training locations.
Contact Rose Merry Kirkpatrick at 1-800-482-8437 or (501) 633-3835 or by email at rkirkpatrick@arkedu.k12.ar.us for additional information.