Education is a process that can be measured in years and learned in classrooms, but ultimately it is an investment that pays dividends for the rest of your life. That is why our faculty, staff, and administration are dedicated to providing an individualized education for our students. We take great pride in offering a well-rounded curriculum with a focus on learning how to learn.
As a teacher, you want your students to be as successful as possible. By incorporating distance learning into your curriculum, you can take advantage of the resources available at your school and throughout the community to ensure your students master the material.
Distance learning is a great way to provide hands-on experiences and make sure that students are getting the most from their education. With distance learning, you can also provide additional support if needed.
As much as possible, students with disabilities need to be part of the same distance learning programs as other students. However, they may need additional support in order to participate.
There are a lot of options when it comes to distance learning for special education students. Some school systems offer free online classes or resources for parents who want to help their children learn at home. Other schools may have programs available where students can attend classes through video conferencing technology like Zoom.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires all states to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities, regardless of how much time they spend in an actual classroom.
First, contact your child’s case manager or special education teacher and request an evaluation if you haven’t already done so. This evaluation will provide data on your child’s strengths and needs that can be used to determine the types of supports they may need while learning online, such as assistive technology or educational apps. If your child has a history of receiving special education services, this information may be available through a prior evaluation.
If you have questions about supporting your child’s distance learning efforts at home, reach out to their case manager or special education teacher. They should know what accommodations and modifications are included in your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), which is an important tool that outlines their special needs and the services they will receive at school.
As we enter the time of continued distance learning, it is important to consider the variety of supplemental resources that may be used to enrich learning for students with special needs. This includes not only software and technology programs, but also community resources and individualized creation of print materials that can meet the student’s needs.
When creating learning opportunities in a distance environment, it is important to consider the learning styles and strengths of each student. For example, some students may benefit from recorded video lessons while others may respond better to one-on-one sessions via video conferencing. Some students may benefit from written directions while others need visual cues or hands-on manipulation of items to learn concepts effectively. It is also important to consider their preferred method of communication when providing feedback.
Teachers can use technology programs such as Nearpod and PearDeck to provide interactive lessons that engage all learners through various methods including movement and kinesthetic activities; visual presentations; audio or video recordings; or multiple choice questions.
Distance Learning for Special Education Students provides education at no cost to families or the student. Students can take classes from home without leaving the comfort of their own homes and receive all services provided by our program: Individualized Instructional Support, Accommodations Based on Individual Needs and Goals, Services Provided by Trained Professionals including Teachers, Social Workers, Speech Therapists and Occupational Therapists.
Assistance may come in the form of additional time to complete assignments, extra tutoring and support, or a more flexible schedule. Some schools offer real-time interaction with professors through videoconferencing or live chat, while others offer recorded lectures that can be watched at any time.
Students should research all of the options before deciding which school is right for them. They may not need to worry about transportation costs or on-campus housing if they attend a local school, but if they need to travel farther away from home, those costs could become part of the equation. The type of degree a student wants will also determine how far he or she must travel. For example, if a student wants to pursue an advanced degree, he or she may need to find a school that has an on-campus program for that particular field of study.