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implications
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nline classes can be especially difficult for students who rely on essential school services. While meals have been served and WiFi assistance provided, Individualized Education Program services for students with special needs aren’t so easy without in-person interaction. “Our students are struggling because of the online format, for sure,” autism paraeducator Kyleigh Leslie said. “With the population I work with, it’s harder to fulfill online. With some kids, it’s almost impossible. For a majority of our students, online is not a reliable way to achieve IEP goals.” The Kansas State Board of Education provided guidance for virtual special education services in March 2020. According to special education
department chair Anita Nelson, the special education program has followed all state guidelines. “The case managers and the IEP teams have worked really hard to make sure services have been provided,” Nelson said. “The majority of the services have been provided during this time for a majority of our students as they were written in the IEPs, and for those services not provided, the IEP teams agreed to make changes, to best serve the needs of the students, in cooperation with families. During remote learning at the end of last school year and the beginning of this school year, students receiving special education services faced challenges that were out of their control. Navigating technology was often the biggest challenge, many students needed support to operate
“ We have to work
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twice as hard to regain momentum.
