Are Schools Prepared to Address the Lasting Impact of the COVID Pandemic on Students?

It has been a year since most schools shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, even in full remote learning platforms, school districts remained obligated to provide a free and appropriate public education to students with identified disabilities to the greatest extent possible. Today, some schools are open, others are slowly opening, while others remain shuttered. As schools reopen they are faced with issues including learning loss, mental health concerns, socialization issues, IEP violations, compensatory education and many more. This program will address the issues facing students – and schools - in the post-COVID-19 era, including those issues that impact all students, as well as those that are unique to students with special needs. The presenters will offer advice on ensuring that students receive the services needed to address learning loss issues and review criteria for compensatory educational services, to which students with individual education plans may be entitled.

Presented by Debra Clifford and Mary Frances Palisano, this program will benefit attorneys for children with special needs as well as those representing schools and school districts.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the issues facing schools as the country emerges from the pandemic
2. Discuss learning loss and progress issues facing students as a result of impact from remote learning platforms
3. Analyze particular issues facing the special needs community upon the return to school
4. Review compensatory education criteria to remedy skill deficits that resulted from missed services