A Tutorial: Co-Teaching to Support Students Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication in the Classroom

Purpose: School-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) frequently support students who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), not only through direct services but also by ensuring teachers and staff have AAC access and knowledge about its use in the classroom. This tutorial has three main goals: (a) define co-teaching models, (b) briefly review existing evidence on SLPs' involvement in co-teaching and identify areas for future research, and (c) provide a practical guide for SLPs on implementing co-teaching or classroom-based services to support students using AAC. Conclusions: This tutorial outlines definitions of co-teaching models and explores how school-based SLPs can implement them in collaboration with educators. It presents functional examples, including a case study, and discusses relevant literature and practical implications. Classroom-based service delivery requires both time and training for SLPs. When adequately supported, this model may help students who use AAC carry over their communication skills in classroom settings, as well as provide students access to the least restrictive environment. Additionally, classroom-based service delivery may allow for real-time, on-the-job examples of AAC implementation, support, and strategies for teachers working with students who use AAC.