As the inclusive classroom becomes the placement of choice for many students with disabilities, the implementation of a student’s individualized education plan (IEP) is no longer the sole responsibility of a special education teacher. Together the general education teacher and the special education teacher work to ensure each student’s progress toward meeting carefully crafted goals.
Vicki Caruana
Dr. Vicki Caruana is a professor of education at Mount Saint Mary College in New York. She prepares teacher candidates in a dual certification in special education for both the elementary and secondary programs. Caruana also provides professional development in the areas of inclusion, evidence-based practices, and IEP implementation. She has taught at the K–12 level in public schools for both students with disabilities and gifted students. She has authored more than 22 books for both teachers and parents, including the best-selling Apples & Chalkdust: Inspirational Stories and Encouragement for Teachers. Caruana has two grown sons, one of whom is also a teacher, and lives with her station wagon-crazy husband, Chip, in Newburgh, New York.
Vicki Caruana
Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development