THE SUCCESS OF COLLABORATION RESOURCE PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN GRADES 6 THROUGH 8

This study examined collaboration practices of resource programs at mi ddle/junior high school levels in southern California. Participants we re 124 resource teachers from 69 schools responding to a survey that a sked about the collaboration model at their school site. Results indic ate that resource programs at the middle/junior high school level are a combination of collaboration and traditional pullout models. The maj ority of teachers viewed the collaboration model positively. Administr ation support was evident. Teacher attitude and teacher personality we re ranked as more important than the degree of severity of the student 's disability as important factors for a successful collaboration mode l. These results may have important implications for policy decisions regarding integration of students with disabilities into general educa tion programs.