Delivery of Special Education Services During COVID-19 Remote Instruction: Innovations and Challenges

• In Event: What "Unprecedented" Actually Looks Like: Teachers and Teaching During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, all K-12 education in New York State transitioned to remote learning. Though a challenge for all students, this was particularly problematic for many special education teachers and their students. By conducting a series of interviews and surveys, we have investigated how special educators in New York State delivered services and met the requirements of students’ Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) during this time of emergency remote learning. The documented innovations and challenges will be used to develop professional programming for teachers and preservice teachers. Examination of teacher’s dispositions affecting their perspectives and willingness to innovate will be analyzed for themes related to teacher integrity. We will follow up to investigate practice in the post-pandemic schooling.

Authors

• Tammy Ellis-Robinson, University at Albany - SUNY

• Kimberly F. Colvin, University at Albany - SUNY

• Taja R. Young, University at Albany - SUNY