Alisha Reeve MUSE 376 Choral Methods Citation Music Educators Journal Collaboration and access for our

r children: Music educators and special educators together Kimberly A. McCord and Emily H. Watts Mar. 2006 This article discusses how to properly included special needs students into music classrooms. There are many laws in place to protect the rights of these students and their families, and also to better organize information for the teachers. The Americans with Disabilities Act protects the rights of people with disabilities. By denying students a chance in your classroom you are likely at risk of a lawsuit. Individualized Education Programs are documents available to teachers that let them know what a certain students abilities, and needs are, and what special services the might need or circumstances that should be afforded. Often music educators arent aware of these plans, or are not included in the planning. It is important to make sure you are aware of your students needs and ask to see these plans if necessary. One of the best ways to include these students in your classroom is to collaborate with the Special Education teachers, they know best what is and isnt appropriate and how best to reach their students. Many music educators will experience students with IEPs every year. I believe that it is very important to be aware of difficulties any students might have, but especially for students with special needs. Simple accommodations can often make their time in music classrooms much more successful. A strong relationship

with the Special Education teachers will make it easy to incorporate these students into my classroom and make their time very successful and enjoyable.