These actions can involve general and special education teachers, specialists, administrators, parents, and students. Effective communication and collaboration are particularly important in the referral and placement process. For case conference committees to perform successfully, effective communication is essential. Building effective collaborative partnerships is one of the most significant tasks of a successful inclusive teacher. Collaboration can take the form of consultation, in which special education teachers work together to decide upon intervention strategies for a specific student.
Communication can take the form of notes, informal conversations, or scheduled meetings.
Collaboration can also take the form of co-teaching, in which a general education and special education teacher teach together in an inclusive classroom setting. These models can include one teacher and one assistant, station teaching, parallel teaching, alternative teaching, and team teaching. Teachers should consider all models, and keep records of their own collaboration, to determine which best fits the needs of the students. Teachers must also collaborate effectively with paraprofessionals, in order to maximize the success of the inclusive classroom. Teachers should carefully consider the background of the paraprofessional, carefully outline roles and responsibilities, and communicate effectively at all times.