Co-teaching Using the Common Core State Standards in a Secondary Mathematics Classroom

Abstract

In schools today, mathematics teachers are faced with the challenge to educate all students. Additionally, teachers are also being asked to implement the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS) that were adopted by New York State in 2010. With the recent adoption of the CCSS and the rising number of students with disabilities, collaboration between mathematics and special education teachers is essential to meet the diverse academic needs of all students. Many schools are now implementing co-teaching so that teachers can share their expertise and work collaboratively towards the success of all students in the general education classroom. This research used a single case study method to investigate how a pair of co-teachers managed planning, teaching, and assessing lessons around the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in a secondary mathematics classroom to meet the academic needs of all students. Results from this study may help inform secondary mathematics and special education teachers as well as school administrators about the best practices for co-teaching with the CCSS.