Madeleine Will is an American educator known for her work in advancing services for students with special needs. One of her key contributions to the field is the development and promotion of the transdisciplinary service delivery model, which emphasizes collaboration and coordination among various professionals to meet the holistic needs of special education students. Here are the key components of Will's transdisciplinary service delivery model:
Collaboration and Teamwork:
The transdisciplinary model stresses collaboration among various professionals, including special educators, general educators, related service providers (e.g., speech therapists, occupational therapists), parents, and other relevant individuals involved in the student's education. This collaborative process aims to create a holistic and individualized plan that addresses the student's unique needs.
Shared Expertise:
Rather than relying on one professional to address all the student's needs, the transdisciplinary model encourages team members to contribute their expertise and work together. This pooling of knowledge and skills ensures a comprehensive approach to supporting the student's educational and developmental goals.
Common Objectives and Goal Setting:
The transdisciplinary team develops shared goals and objectives for the student, considering all aspects of their well-being, including academic, social, emotional, physical, and functional skills. This shared focus helps ensure that the student receives consistent support and intervention across various settings.
Individualized Education Program (IEP) as a Central Component:
The transdisciplinary model places significant importance on the development and implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs). The team collaboratively designs IEPs that outline specific objectives, interventions, and accommodations based on the student's strengths and needs. The IEP serves as a guiding document for all professionals involved in the student's education.
Regular Communication and Case Conferences:
Will's model emphasizes ongoing communication and collaboration among team members. Regular case conferences or team meetings are held to discuss the student's progress, adjust interventions, and make informed decisions about the student's educational program.
Parent and Family Involvement:
Parents are considered essential members of the transdisciplinary team. Their input, concerns, and knowledge of the student's strengths and challenges are highly valued. The model promotes active participation and partnership with families in decision-making processes and planning for their child's education.
Professional Development:
The transdisciplinary service delivery model requires ongoing professional development for all team members. Will stresses the importance of continuous learning to ensure that professionals stay current with evidence-based practices and strategies that support students with disabilities.
By implementing this transdisciplinary service delivery model, Madeleine Will advocated for a collaborative, holistic, and individualized approach to meeting the needs of special education students. This model promotes effective intervention, improved student outcomes, and a more inclusive educational experience for students with disabilities.