Today, teachers face many challenges.  They must focus on keeping themselves, their families, and their students safe while still being responsible for educating the next generation.  We ask, “How do they conquer such a great task?”  This is a question the whole world is asking.  One of the ways we, as a country and many school systems, provide public education is through remote learning.  In the last four months, we have all begun working on creating different ways to provide the best education remotely possible.  With special education being my focus and passion, I would like to share some tips I have researched and practiced for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Disabilities.  First, using the student’s IEP, you must plan and organize instruction on student goals, routines, play, language, structure, and behavior supports.  Then, it would help if you communicated with the student’s caregiver.  Discuss the objectives and routine of the lesson and how you will need their support.  How much support you will need will depend on the level of the student’s ability to attend.  So, you will need to assess the student’s attention and focusing skills.  There are three levels:

A – Need full support from the caregiver to complete remote learning

B – Some support in the middle

C – Independent learners need little support from caregivers

 The last and most important tip is to build a positive coaching relationship with the caregiver.  During the lesson or session, you must give the caregiver simple direction, positive reinforcement, and encouragement. After the session or lesson, debriefing with the caregiver is especially important.  Ensure they receive positive corrective feedback that gives details such as home environment strategies,  next steps, and points of positive progression.  Teaching this way has been a challenge for us all, but I know we can succeed with dedication and determination. 

 “Teachers are expected to reach attainable goals with inadequate tools.  The miracle is that they sometimes accomplish this impossible task.” - Williams. 

  Perenda Isom