In order for the peer tutoring program to be successful, the regular education teachers in the school environment must buy into the concept of peer tutoring. Regular education teachers will need to make sure that they understand their role and expectations. Regular education teachers must collaborate with the special education teacher as to the role and assignments of both the student with a disability and the peer tutor. The teachers must get together to discuss progress and problems on a frequent basis. These meetings need not be long, if they are focused and productive. The regular education may want to make notes so that he/she will remember all of the items that need to be addressed by the special education teacher. The regular education teacher is responsible for assigning the grade for the student with a disability (often in collaboration with the special education teacher) and reporting to the special education teacher the progress of the peer tutor in assisting the student with a disability. Regular education teachers typically take responsibility for observing the peer tutor’s interaction with the student with a disability and reporting this back to the special education teacher. It is recommended that, when possible, the regular education conduct a formal observation of the peer tutor’s performance in his or her classroom as further record of the peer tutor’s work.
The regular education teacher is responsible for assisting the peer tutor with adaptations required for the student with a disability to be successful. In general, the regular education teacher is responsible for all discipline issues that arise in the regular education class. If the regular education teacher feels that the peer tutor’s behavior significantly violates classroom or school rules (and may result in the possibility that the peer tutor may not be allowed to attend inclusive classes with the student with a disability), then the regular education and special education teacher need to address the behavior together. If a behavior of the student with a disability is interfering with the class, then the regular education teacher needs to make certain that the special education teacher assists in addressing that behavior in an appropriate manner. It is also very helpful when regular education teachers are able to recommend students who would make great peer tutors! While a student with a disability is in the regular education’s teacher class, that teacher should also attend the student’s IEP meetings.
Roles and Responsibilities
Role of the Student with a Disability
Role of the Special Education Teacher
Role of the Regular Education Teacher
Role of Administrator/ Counselor