COVID-19: Special Education and Service Delivery
The resources and guidance listed below, from NASP, the federal government, and other agencies, may be helpful for school psychologists in determining how to continue offering services to students with disabilities as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) during the COVID-19 outbreak.
NASP Resources
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USDOE Guidance for the Development and Implementation of IEPs: FAQ for School Psychologists
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Related Services recently released guidance related to the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and other key information that state and local education agencies, special education teachers, and related services providers should consider. … more
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Guidance on the Use of Grade Retention and Special Education Eligibility to Address Instructional Loss
NASP opposes the use of retention as an intervention strategy to mitigate instructional loss during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it urges caution regarding the assumption that special education services are an appropriate way to address COVID-19 instructional loss. … more
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Supporting Student Engagement and Well-Being in a Virtual Learning Environment: Social Justice Considerations
Most schools are adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing at least some alternative or virtual learning experiences. With students often now physically situated in their home environment, educators have increasingly experienced challenges in supporting students who have unique engagement and well-being needs. … more
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Virtual Service Delivery in Response to COVID-19 Disruptions (NASP)
This NASP resource outlines considerations with respect to technology, record keeping, privacy, and validity of measures in virtual service delivery in response to COVID-19. … more
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Telehealth: Virtual Service Delivery Updated Recommendations
As school psychologists are called on to provide services remotely, questions continue to arise regarding legal, ethical, and pragmatic limits on what activities school psychologists can and should perform. This resource provides recommendations for navigating the COVID-19 crisis with respect to remote service delivery. … more
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USDOE Guidance for IDEA Service Delivery FAQ for School Psychologists
This NASP resource breaks down the service delivery guidance from the US Department of Education specifically for school psychologists. … more
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NASP Supplemental Appropriations Letter to Congress on COVID-19 Virus (NASP) (PDF)
NASP sent this letter to members of Congress with requests and considerations as they debate a supplemental appropriations bill addressing education. … more
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Tips for Participating in Virtual Meetings
This resource suggests tips that will help school psychologists participate successfully in virtual meetings. … more
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Strengthening Positive Parenting Practices During a Public Health Crisis
In most cases, parents are able to maintain safe parenting practices, even during difficult times. A lot of parents are feeling overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted. Reminding parents that their feelings are normal reactions to a very abnormal situation can be invaluable. … more
Federal Government Resources
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OSEP IDEA Part B provision of services Q+A
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), within the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, issues this Q & A document in response to inquiries concerning implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B provision of services in the current COVID-19 environment. … more
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NASDSE A Successful Launch of the 2020-2021 School Year for Students with Disabilities
Issue brief from National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) assisting state directors of special education in planning for a successful return of students with disabilities into school settings following COVID-19 closures. … more
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COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel (ED.gov)
This webpage from the US Department of Education houses numerous resources, guidance, and considerations for schools and school personnel in response to COVID-19. … more
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Guidance for Schools and Childcare Programs (CDC.gov)
This CDC website offers guidance and resources for schools and considerations for school closures. … more
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Supplemental Fact Sheet Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Preschool, Elementary and Secondary Schools While Serving Children with Disabilities (US Department of Education) (PDF)
This supplemental fact sheet from the US Department of Education outlines guidance and expectations to provide a free and appropriate education to students with disabilities through distance education through the COVID-19 outbreak. … more
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Q&A on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak (US Department of Education) (PDF)
This guidance from the US Department of Education offers answers to common questions for IDEA service delivery during the COVID-19 outbreak. … more
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OSEP IDEA Part B Dispute Resolution Procedures (PDF)
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), within the U.S. Department of Education’s (Department) Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, issues this Question and Answer (Q & A) document in response to inquiries concerning implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B dispute resolution procedures in the current COVID-19 environment. … more
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OSEP IDEA Part C Dispute Resolution Procedures (PDF)
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), within the U.S. Department of Education’s (Department) Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, issues this Question and Answer (Q & A) document in response to inquiries concerning implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C dispute resolution procedures in the current COVID-19 environment. … more