A very big concern (and rightly so) for parents and educators alike is how will special education students get the services they need. In particular, schools in District 75 (a city-wide designation for all students who are at specific special services schools) often have students who cannot wear masks, may be spitting and biting frequently, and the staff members often are allowed provisions for physical contact. All of that is a risk with COVID-19. At the Zoom City Council session yesterday many people spoke about this concern and haven't heard what will be provided for them or their students yet - and the first day of classes is quickly approaching.
Additionally, what do we do with students who are provided with integrated co-teaching (ICT), meaning a general education teacher and a special education teacher are supposed to be in the room simultaneously. With the blended model and remote students we would need a massive increase in teaching staff to balance out this requirement. The DOE has shared guidance as of today that says
"Every effort, including the reassignment of special education teachers with school funded out-of-classroom positions, should be made to assign a certified blended in-person special education teacher and a certified blended in-person general education teacher to each ICT section. "
To me, this means that we will be able to teach without another person in the classroom, despite the ICT mandate. While this may be needed budget-wise, it certainly doesn't seem fair to the students.
Additionally, what do we do with students who are provided with integrated co-teaching (ICT), meaning a general education teacher and a special education teacher are supposed to be in the room simultaneously. With the blended model and remote students we would need a massive increase in teaching staff to balance out this requirement. The DOE has shared guidance as of today that says
"Every effort, including the reassignment of special education teachers with school funded out-of-classroom positions, should be made to assign a certified blended in-person special education teacher and a certified blended in-person general education teacher to each ICT section. "
To me, this means that we will be able to teach without another person in the classroom, despite the ICT mandate. While this may be needed budget-wise, it certainly doesn't seem fair to the students.
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