Collaboration at the Preservice Level

Abstract

Upon taking positions in the public schools, graduates of preservice preparation programs are expected to work together with a range of school-based professionals who share responsibility for the evaluation, identification, and instruction of pupils having mild learning and behavior problems, yet rarely are students in these various programs brought together at the preservice level to systematically study and practice the skills of collaboration. This paper presents a rationale for interdisciplinary instruction in collaboration at the preservice level and a series of validated instructional and evaluation activities designed to teach collaborative skills systematically throughout preservice programs in the school-based professions.