On today’s show, Amanda and Vickie bring you the most recent updates on what’s going through the senate and practical ways you can be helping during this time, whether you’re an educator, parent, or interested party.

Listen in for encouraging ways that will help you move forward during this crisis!

Show Highlights:

• In March, the CDC released a guide for school administrators in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 (also known as the Corona Virus).
• This guide states that for schools that close their physical campus but offer “distance instruction” for students, children with disabilities must be granted the same remote access to learning.
• Many educators have been reluctant to provide any distance learning for IEP students because they believe that federal disability laws present insurmountable barriers to remote education.
• Are school districts required at this time to comply with the IDEA? The Department of Education’s answer to this is “yes”.
• Amanda addresses waivers and the tax relief bill, and the language that is being proposed. 
• California has indicated that it has its school districts’ backs.
• If you’re not in the state of California, visit your own state’s Department of Education and Governor’s office websites to see what their requirements are for educating students with disabilities during this time of shutdown.
• Listen in to learn what the state of California is requiring!
• Vickie discusses the California Department of Education’s recent publication of online learning resources for schools and families and the focus of the webinar led by Ben Chida, Senior Advisor to Governor Newsom.
• Districts are being encouraged to find innovative ways to provide lessons.
• Equal access doesn’t mean that all students receive the same materials in the same way.
• If you don’t have any experience with online learning, then Riverside County Office of Education has a "best practices" guide.
• Amanda and Vickie discuss the innovation that other districts are employing, and suggestions to consider.
• If you have a teacher or school district that you think is providing something really unique, please share it! We need to be sharing and networking ideas among parents, teachers, and administrators.
• Encourage each other to ACT!

Links/Resources:

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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

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