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Problem-solving involves a process. Recognizing that a problem exists is the first step. Clearly defining the problem is the next step. This can take a long time or it can take a relatively short amount of time. It takes a group of people to generate solutions to a problem. All solutions need to be evaluated based on their positives, negatives, and their implications. The group then chooses a solution, implements the solution, and evaluates whether or not the solution was successful. If the solution was not successful, the process starts over again.

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Each participant collaborating has their own perspective and their own strengths. Each person brings a different piece to the puzzle. It is the role of the facilitator to ensure that everyone has input into the problem-solving process. It takes work to bring all of the information together and make it usable.

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Gathering ideas is critical to the problem-solving process. No one person has the exact right solution to the problem. Therefore, brainstorming, brainwriting, or nominal group technique is important for the process of problem-solving. This video shows how people can work off of each other's ideas to get to the correct answer. I like how you can see the light bulb going off in their mind when they reach the solution.

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0:00 / 0:30•Watch full video

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It is imperative that every person involved in the collaboration is focused on the same goal. The goal is not part of an ego trip. The solution can have many paths. Blurring the lines between special education and general education will take the ingenuity of many individuals whose ideas may diverge. When we work toward a common goal everyone needs to be open to some give and take.

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Blurring the lines between special education and general education classrooms is a contentious topic. Unfortunately, lines have been drawn in the sand. No one has the perfect solution. Moving toward a more integrated classroom is desirable to all. What that means and how we get there is not cut and dry. While blurring the lines we need to keep our focus on the overall education of each and every student.

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One thing is for sure in our society. Money is power. Power follows the money. No matter how much they claim otherwise, whenever politicians are involved in any process, it is always about the money.