If you’re a parent whose world has been turned upside down by COVID-19, you’re certainly not alone. In the span of days as the virus spread, America’s parents took on a new role—co-teachers. And as students around the world have transitioned to remote learning, parents of students with disabilities are facing particular challenges. While everyone’s situation is different, we’ve compiled a few tips to consider as you move forward.
On May 13, EdSource wrote about Senate Democrats’ request for the inclusion of $12 billion in IDEA funding in the next coronavirus stimulus bill, and Senior Policy Director Wendy Tucker weighed in.
On May 13, the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) published a guest blog by Wendy Tucker about how charter school authorizers can pitch in to support students with disabilities during COVID-19.
On May 1, the Huffington Post reported on New Jersey guidance forbidding districts from requiring parents of students with disabilities to sign waivers before receiving services during COVID-19, citing Paul O’Neill’s op-ed on the topic.
The Center applauds the drafters of the HEROES Act for prioritizing education funding in this latest relief package and for ensuring that states receiving relief funds guarantee that the rights of students with disabilities remain intact.
On May 12, FSG featured an interview with Lauren Morando Rhim in a piece about organizations working to support students with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s National Charter Schools Week — and in the midst of a particularly challenging period in American public education, the innovative, nimble approach epitomized by charters is more valuable than ever.
On May 8, District Administration published an article highlighting the work of the Educating All Learners Alliance and quoting Lauren Morando Rhim.
States need additional education funding now—and the Center applauds a new federal funding request from a group of Democratic senators led by Senator Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire that would specifically provide additional funding for the provision special education during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
This week, the Center became aware that some New Jersey school districts were asking parents to sign away the rights of their children in order to access special education services during COVID-19 closures—an outrageous and illegal practice. We applaud the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) for moving swiftly to block this violation of students’ civil rights.
