What is a primary responsibility of a special educator who coteaches in a general education classroom?

A primary responsibility of a special educator who coteaches in a general education classroom is to ensure that students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) make adequate progress toward their individual goals. This is essential because special educators are specifically trained to understand the unique needs and instructional requirements of students with disabilities. Their role involves closely monitoring and assessing the progress of these students in collaboration with their general education colleagues.

This responsibility encompasses providing targeted support and adaptations within the general education curriculum to help meet the specific goals outlined in each student’s IEP. By focusing on making adequate progress, the special educator helps facilitate an inclusive learning environment that recognizes and addresses the diverse needs of all students, promoting both academic success and social-emotional growth.

The other options, while related to the overall education of students, do not accurately capture the primary role of a special educator in a coteaching setting. For example, providing all instruction for students with IEPs overlooks the collaborative nature of coteaching, where both educators share instructional responsibilities. Testing students on grade-level content standards does not reflect the personalized focus required for IEP goals, and coordinating with parents, although important, is not as central to the day-to-day responsibilities within the classroom environment as ensuring student progress.