Stronger Together: Co-Teaching and Collaboration as Cornerstones of Special Education

Since the passage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in 1975, later renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), collaboration has been a defining feature of special education. Initially embedded in legal requirements such as individualized education program (IEP) development and related services, collaboration has evolved into a core professional practice shaping instruction, service delivery, and student participation. This article traces the historical and legal foundations of collaboration under IDEA, highlights major advances such as co-teaching and interprofessional teaming, and examines the expanding roles of families and students. Implications for research, practice, and educator preparation are discussed, along with recommendations to strengthen collaborative systems for the next generation of special educators.