Due to the virulence of the COVID-19 virus and the increasing number of confirmed cases in Pennsylvania, on March 30, 2020 Governor Wolf ordered all schools closed for an indefinite period of time. In putting forth best efforts to ensure access to continuity of education programming, we recognize the following:

● Equitable access to educational programming during the pandemic and subsequent school closures is a priority

● Throughout the Commonwealth there are students/families that do not have access to internet and/or home devices

The sharing of best practices, considerations and creative innovations in making low tech options accessible to all will improve educational access for students.

Academic / Core content

● When possible, consider delivering content from the same or similar instructional materials as prior to closure. (Textbooks, content sequence, format, etc.)

● If using alternative materials, make sure they align with scope and sequence and “meet students where they are”.

● Key Considerations:

○ What resources do your texts and other curricular materials provide?

■ Printable?

■ Downloadable?

○ What key staff can be assigned to modify these materials to meet student needs?

○ What free resources are available to compliment everyday materials?

Delivery of Instruction

● Think outside of the traditional teaching role.

● Think beyond direct instruction and worksheets.

○ Individualized learning plans can be for any student, not just those with special needs. How can we meet student learning objectives but adapt them to the context of students’ homes and immediate surroundings?

● Project-based learning

● Scavenger hunts

● Unplugged STEM activities or challenges

● Managing Multiple Schedules - Tip sheet for parents on creating rotating schedules while providing school time at home.

○ Sample at home learning schedules

● Key Considerations:

○ How can you utilize staff differently to ensure equitable access to instruction?

■ Example: Rather than have all math teachers teach math, assign some to teach, and other teachers to phone support, material modification, office hours, etc.

○ How can you tie lessons into broadcast educational resources? (https://learningathomepa.org/ - See your local public broadcast stations for their schedules)

○ How are you prioritizing the balance of flexibility and best efforts?

● Kolibri and Raspberry Pi - Jigar Patel

Autism Helper - FREE 3 weeks of work packets

Boardmaker Activities to Go - FREE Special Education Curriculum Download (PK-12, adapted) - perfect to reinforce academic skills during academic time each day

Edmentum K-12 Worksheet Bundles (includes content from Study Island, Education City, Reading Eggs, and Edmentum Courseware)

Home Learning Packets and Strategies for Special Education

Evan-Moor- Daily activities for learning at home. Please complete the form and the free e-book will be emailed to you (You may submit for multiple e-books).