Our journey with the Collaborative Co-Teaching (CCT) program has been nothing short of transformative. As a group of dedicated parents in Long Beach, CA, we've witnessed firsthand how this innovative approach to education benefits our children, combining the expertise of general and special education teachers to support all learners. Initially, the plan was to expand the program each year, starting in 2019. This model not only fosters inclusivity within our schools but also nurtures a collaborative learning environment that is crucial for cognitive and social growth.

However, we have recently been informed about the district's decision to curtail this program, limiting its reach to 2nd grade, and replacing it with a limited model in 3rd grade. This new arrangement only includes a special education teacher for part of the day, which drastically undermines the CCT's fundamental principles of inclusivity and cooperative teaching.

This rollback affects not just the students but also undermines the core value of education, which is understanding and supporting diverse learning needs. Statistics consistently show that co-teaching environments improve academic outcomes and peer interactions for all students. The National Center for Education Evaluation has shown that inclusive practices, like CCT, close achievement gaps and prepare students better for future academic pursuits.

The initial roadmap promised a gradual expansion of CCT up to 5th grade, creating a consistent support system throughout elementary education. It is crucial to uphold that promise and ensure that every child in our community has the opportunity to benefit from such an inclusive model.

We urge the Long Beach Unified School District to not only continue with the promised expansion but to reaffirm their commitment to educational equity by fully implementing the CCT model from kindergarten through 5th grade. Let's prioritize our children's future by supporting an educational approach that caters to their diverse needs.

Sign this petition to stand with the Long Beach community and advocate for the expansion of the Collaborative Co-Teaching program, ensuring all students have access to high-quality, inclusive education.

Have a story to tell about Collaborative Co-Teaching? Share your experience and discover how you can stay informed and get involved at https://lbusdcct.org