Distance Learning + Special Education: Strategies for Success

 

Presented on May 8, 2020

Questions covered in the webinar:

  • How do you provide services such as Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) online?

  • How do you get disengaged or difficult to reach families to communicate?

  • For full-time online schools, what does family engagement look like?

  • Do you/can you share the training that you use via micro-courses?

  • What are some best practices for integrating quality academic support, from your experiences, building online programs?

  • How do you get more people involved in SDI in the remote learning setting?

  • How do you get other parents to connect with each other to build a strong special education community?

  • Can you speak to orientating families to this new learning environment? What processes or tools do you use?

  • What are some of the benefits of tech-enabled learning for Special Education students?

  • What are some of the qualities/characteristics of great online teachers? And how do they develop courses?

Quotes

“It has been incredibly exciting to serve kids in this new way”
– Grace Haynes, Special Education Coordinator, Archway Veritas, brick-and-mortar charter school (Grace quickly, efficiently moved from a traditional school setting to remote instruction using tech-enabled instructional and communication tools.)

“If I had never found out about Branson School Online, I probably would not be the same person that I am today. Online classes have changed my life for the better, and for all kids who are having trouble in school should consider taking online classes.”
– Jason Wheeler, Current college student, Pikes Peak Community College, Former high school graduate of Branson Online School, FoS Scholarship Winner, Autism Advocate

Presenters

Online School Leaders: 
Alison Gott – Assistant Director Student Services @ California Connections Academy Schools (Full-time online school) 

Gracie Haynes – Special Education Coordinator @ Archway Charter School in Phoenix, AZ  (Brick-and-mortar school that quickly shifted to remote instruction)

Stacy Altman – Director of Special Services @ K12 schools of Colorado (two blended and one online school) 

Jeff Renard – Executive Director @ Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative (state-run online school in Vermont) 

Parent/Student Advocates: 
Jason & Cynthia Wheeler – FoS Student Scholar, Online Graduate, Autism Advocates from Colorado Springs, CO 

Scott Fowler – Federal Lobbyist, Educational Consultant, Dad of special needs child from Myrtle Beach, SC 

Teacher Experts
Nicole Biscotti – Educator, Mom of special needs student, ADHD advocate, Social media influencer from Phoenix, AZ

Tillie Elvrum – President, Cyberschool Coalition of Colorado, Advocate, Parent of Special Education Student 

 
Lisa Mullis