Collaborative Teaching between Special Education Teachers and Mainstream Teachers in Inclusive Education Program

This study investigates collaboration in teaching between special education teachers (SET) and mainstream teachers (MT) for the implementation of inclusive education in schools. This study divides the context of collaborative teaching into three specific needs. They are knowledge, attitudes and willingness for teaching collaboration to implement inclusive education programs in schools. The study survey was conducted using a set of questionnaire. The study sample was selected through purposive sampling method which involves 70 people comprising special education teachers and mainstream teachers in Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively using mean score and standard deviation. The findings show that the level of collaborative needs in teaching for SET and MT is at high level for knowledge aspect (mean = 3.04; sd = 0.357) and willingness (mean = 3.13; sd = 0.459) and attitude at medium level (mean= 2.61 and sd = 0.297). Implications of the study show the need for enhancement of collaboration in the aspects of knowledge, readiness and attitude for an effective implementation of inclusive education in schools.