Some, though, have hesitated to move special
education online. As virtual instruction began
unrolling, the U.S. Education Department
issued a reminder that students with disabilities
must be granted the same opportunities as
other students. It led some districts, including
Philadelphia’s public schools, to forgo online
instruction entirely, citing concerns about their
ability to serve all children.
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos blasted
that approach, saying schools have a duty
to serve their students. She urged schools to
use online platforms or, if that isn’t possible,
low-tech alternatives like work packets or
written assignments.
“It was extremely disappointing to hear that
some school districts were using information
from the Department of Education as an excuse
not to educate kids,” DeVos said in a March 23
statement. “This is a time for creativity and an
opportunity to pursue as much flexibility as
possible so that learning continues.”
Many districts say it’s inevitable that families
would have to help. Some are asking parents
to guide students through daily lessons or
administer tests measuring their children’s
progress, a key component of special
education laws.
Officials in South Carolina’s largest district said
they know it’s a tough ask, and they’re asking
families to set realistic expectations.
“We can’t replicate the general education
curriculum in the home, so we’re not trying
to replicate the special education program
either,” said Traci Hogan, Greenville’s assistant
superintendent for special education services.