Collaboration in Special Education: Its History, Evolution, and Critical Factors Necessary for Successful Implementation

Collaboration in education is seen as a legal mandate, best practice in teacher practice, and necessary for the inclusion of children with special needs. Over the years, there have been a number of evolutionary incarnations of the collaborative model, each possessing various ingredients identified as important, if not essential, components of a successful professional relationship. This article provides the reader with a review of the literature regarding collaboration in education, particularly in reference to the service of students with special needs. In addition to identifying those aspects of collaboration that have been deemed critical to its success, this article also discusses the characteristics found to challenge effective collaboration.