The state of Oklahoma is trying to ensure normalcy for each of the state’s 115,000 special education students in the distance education environment caused by COVID-19.
School will vary widely for special education students. Some will see minimal differences from what instruction is given to their peers, while others will need increased attention from their parents.
But the Executive Director of Special Education Services for Oklahoma Todd Loftin says one thing is for certain: special education teachers across the state are ready for the challenge.
"They're used to trying to think of different ways for providing instruction. That’s what they do all day. So this is just a slightly different context for them," Loftin said.
He says students with individualized education plans, commonly called IEPs, should not need to change those plans. Instead, school districts should and will likely keep educating them within those plans while giving them similar accommodations.
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