Return to classroom bringing challenges
September 2021
By Access Press Staff
Families and school personnel are closely monitoring not only COVID-19 protocols but also the challenges faced by children with disabilities returning to school. In a meeting on August 19, state health and education officials, along with representatives from the Minnesota Disability Law Center, discussed the need for a safe return to school that adheres to federal and state guidelines, especially with concerns about the easily transmitted Delta variant.
The return must also address the impact of the pandemic on special education students who may have lost skills or regressed. Legislation passed during a recent special session aims to help these students through recovery education plans, requiring school districts to reach out to families with individualized education plans (IEPs) and conduct IEP meetings by December 1.
The meetings will determine the need for additional services and supports to address students' lack of progress or learning loss due to COVID-19 disruptions. The potential means of assistance, including changes to IEP plans and addressing mental health needs, will be decided by the IEP teams, with specific details depending on individual family situations and the resources available in different school districts.
