Effective Collaboration for Educating the Whole Child

"The authors eloquently capture the tasks and interconnections of school and community professionals who share the responsibility of developing healthy environments so that all children have the opportunity to learn."—Renee H. Lacey, Supervisor of Alternative and Summer ProgramsPrince William County Public Schools, VA

"Finally, a practical look at how professionals from different disciplines can work together and blend their skills and talents to address the developmental needs of all students."—Robert N. Ianacone, Associate DeanGraduate School of Education and Human DevelopmentThe George Washington University

Educate the whole child by building a culture of collaboration in your school!

It takes a team of professionals working together to support a child′s emotional, physical, and academic development. Effective Collaboration for Educating the Whole Child examines collaboration between educators to successfully teach children with complex learning needs, both with and without identified disabilities.

This book for K–12 general and special education teachers, administrators, and student support specialists explores how to make collaboration and coordination work, who takes responsibility for the process, and why collaboration is central to improving outcomes for students considered at risk. Focusing on coordinating across systems to improve education, the author:

• Discusses the roles, responsibilities, and relationships between school professionals, community agencies, and service providers
• Offers case examples in each chapter as windows into schools and classrooms
• Emphasizes important developmental transitions from the elementary years through high school and after
• Presents personal reflections from parents, students, and professionals

Developmentally responsive school environments depend on constructive relationships between the adults in a student′s life, making this a vital resource for anyone who interacts with children.