Digital teaching for students in special education

For more than seven years, I worked in a fully online public school that served general education and special education students in kindergarten through high school. During my teaching time, I specialized in special education needs. Since then I have worked as a professor at California State University, Fresno, conducting extensive research and presenting nationally and internationally on both online learning and special education.

With all students, including those with special education needs served under IDEA, there is a lot of talk about whether these students should be included in education right now, or if wavers for serving these students should be considered. What constitutes equitable teaching during this time of remote or online teaching?

Related content: 8 learning apps for students with special needs

Here are some important considerations for teachers, administrators, parents, and students.

While online, digital, and remote learning can effectively be accomplished, it takes extensive planning, training from experts or those who have experience, and the participation of parents or guardians. This is something that has been lacking to date.