46
Good Morning! Please remember to mute your mics when you enter the meeting. Thank you very much.
Good Morning!
Please remember to mute your
mics when you enter the meeting.
Thank you very much.
COVID-19 Guidance
Maine DOE
Office of Special Services
Updated 4/13/2020
Agenda4/13/2020
• Introduction
• Content – Other Health Impairment
• Review Resources
• What's Next
– School Share Out – contact Roberta Lucas
– Continuing to work on scheduling a Zoom Meeting for
Related Service Providers
– Continue daily Special Services Zoom Meetings at
10:00
What is working well for you?
Share a success:• organized and cleaned my home office
• set up my home office and when I walk away at the end of the day, I
don’t check email or ‘go back to work’ until the next day
• established a home office with very interesting management
techniques
• sharing weather reports and links with students
• Set up my home office and when I walk away at the end of the day,
I don’t check email or ‘go back to work’ until the next day
• I am actually taking a lunch break now that I'm home
What is working well for you?
Share a success:• Learning all these different communication platforms like Remind,
Dojo, and SeeSaw. I also set up my own youtube channel for my
students and parents.
• I have had really good luck with a group texting program called
Slack. I can handle student questions independently even during a
video conference. And check in when we are not having a video
conference.
• Using Class Dojo to connect with families and students.
• We created personalized schedules for our kiddos, which has
helped our kiddos a ton. I think for myself making a plan everyday
to get outside has been helpful! :)
• learned how to use Google Meet and Zoom
What is working well for you?
Share a success:• learned how to use Google Meet and Zoom
• Our special ed staff has been having ongoing staff meetings on
google meet (which is new to all of us) to check in on each other
and how things are going with our students overall.
• Seeing progress in several arctic kids goals!
• I also cleaned my home office area too and I also try to make a
schedule plan for the next day. I have been thinking about different
materials and how I can use them to make materials for send home
materials for PK.
• I create a to do list and set a goal to complete at least two items on
the list. Since I am taking 2 classes and contacting students. Using
Zoom and ClassDojo.
What is working well for you?
Share a success:• Balancing helping my college senior find teaching jobs and my HS
senior fill out scholarships while assisting my HS students with
special needs get CTE interviews.
• I have individual speech sessions with my students. I have
managed to learn how to incorporate Zoom, Boom Cards, PDF, and
Google docs.
• I only have one IEP left to write and I just had that I meeting!!!
Wooo Hooo!
• I’ve had 4 annual IEP meetings on Zoom so far, with very good
parent participation. Also have had many phone conversations with
parents and students.
What is working well for you?
Share a success:• We are engaging with all students everyday over zoom, google
classroom and on the phone. They are doing great!
• Not work related, but getting the Tooth Fairy AND Easter Bunny
into my house this weekend was a Mom-Win!!!
• After getting permission from the publisher, I’ve been posting read
aloud videos of a chapter book and doing Google forms to make
quizzes for students to take. They like my different voices of the
characters that I do and one of my students think that the book is
“Awesome”
What is working well for you?
Share a success:• My kids have become part of my class. We do videos of hands-on
tasks. Today my kids are going to be growing crystals in a video for my
class. Last week we made banana bread and videoed it for my class.
• I teach K-4 in a SPPS and I am offering a 45 minute zoom meeting as
a whole class instruction. I do a quick check -in, a read aloud, a quick
writing activity, math and fitness and a closing activity which has been
lately a dance party :) It's an opportunity for the students to see each
other and stay connected to me and the BHP's. I offer the reading
writing and math in the same order that they were used to in class. I
have a theme of the day. In addition I offer activities on a class online
platform that gives parents and kids engaging activities for each
academic period. Then we offer afternoon OT/Yoga groups as well.
Basically it's about 15 minutes for each academic period.
5 Tips for Applying Differentiated Instruction in
eLearning/Distance Learning
Give students the opportunity to progress at their own speed.
Offer supplemental learning resources.
Create an individualized learning plan.
Research the specific needs of your learners.
Clarify expectations right from the start.
https://elearningindustry.com/differentiated-instruction-in-elearning-what-elearning-professionals-should-know
Definition of Other Health
ImpairmentOther health impairment means having limited strength,
vitality or alertness, including a heightened alertness to
environmental stimuli, that results in limited alertness with
respect to the educational environment, that is due to
chronic or acute health problems, such as asthma,
attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder, diabetes, epilepsy, a heart condition, hemophilia,
lead poisoning, leukemia, nephritis, rheumatic fever, or
sickle cell anemia, Tourette Syndrome and adversely
affects the child’s educational performance.
[34 CFR 300.8(c)(9)] MUSER
Things to think about...
Accessibility
• Assistive technology
• Adult support
• Modifications and
accommodations
• Suggestions for
schedules for home
Engagement
• Tools to augment
emotional and self-
regulation
• Ideas for engagement
that are accessible at
home
• Stress reducing
techniques
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND.
5 Tips for Applying Differentiated Instruction in
eLearning/Distance Learning
1. Give learners the opportunity to progress at
their own speed.➢ Consider the impact that the student’s condition has on their ability
to interact with others online.
➢ Students that are emotionally or physically stressed may not have the
ability to process content as it is being discussed
➢ Students with other health impairments may not be able to meet
deadlines for tests and assignments due to medical issues related
to their impairments.
➢ need to extend time to complete assignments.
https://michiganvirtual.org/research/publications/supporting-students-with-disabilities-in-k-12-online-and-blended-learning/
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC.
SOME IDEAS...
Accessibility
➢ the use of recorded
content either for
instruction or student
assignments might allow
them to access it when they need to and possibly
multiple times if
necessary.
➢ Adult support if needed
➢ Follow IEP
accommodations and
modifications and adjust to home environment
Engagement
• Use any emotional regulation
program that was in effect at
school and adjust to home
environment
• Second Step:• https://www.secondstep.org/covid
19support
• Zones of regulation:• https://docs.google.com/document
/d/1Lf1GJq_-
Yp6tVCLy5UTotbV0VyqpUUIq0cF
a7YzpLc0/edit?ts=5e780acb#
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.
Thoughts and Questions
5 Tips for Applying Differentiated Instruction in
eLearning/Distance Learning
2. Offer supplemental learning resources.➢ Due to the variety of health-related issues that might be covered under
this category of service, recognize that specialized equipment or assistive technology might be necessary for e-learning.
➢ It is important for all members of the team to be familiar with using
technology with their students.
➢ Including the assistive technological capabilities, the limitations of
those systems, and the impact the assistive technology has on
both learner and teacher behavior.
https://michiganvirtual.org/research/publications/supporting-students-with-disabilities-in-k-12-online-and-blended-learning/
This Photo by Unknow n author is licensed under CC
BY-NC-ND.
Accessibility = Engagement
https://zoom.us/rec/play/7JMqcLusqDk3Hd3BsQSDUPIrW9S4e_2sgCUe-
voJmkjmASYAZgKnMOdGYuv2o7ItYjBjWB0kkU4rNG2a?continueMode=true
Thoughts and Questions
5 Tips for Applying Differentiated Instruction in
eLearning/Distance Learning
3. Create an individualized learning plan.➢ Curriculum content and expectations may require the student to attend
for long periods of time and process large amounts of information in one sitting.
➢ For students with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), it might be
important for them to have assignments broken into smaller
segments with a high interest factor to help motivate the student to engage
➢ Limiting stress or anxiety and still providing them with the
appropriate content.
➢ Provide an appropriate level of adult or peer supports necessary to help the
student better understand initial content, to practice or rehearse
instructional strategies, or to appropriately assess educational functioning.
➢ "Office hours" that the Ed Tech or teacher are availablehttps://michiganvirtual.org/research/publications/supporting-students-with-disabilities-in-k-12-online-and-blended-learning/
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC
Some Ideas for Engagement...
• Challenges with self- regulation can rise, "to the
point where it can really interfere with their
productivity, and ability to organize and set
goals for themselves. They really do need
external support. They also need a lot of
understanding and encouragement from those
around them, and to not have the challenges
that they face minimized.” https://www.kunr.org/post/covid-19-online-learning-solutions-present-
challenges-students-autism-adhd#stream/
Some Ideas for AccessibilityHome practice for
Processes for the foundation of Self-Regulation
Attentional Control
the ability to focus on a
specific task, even if we
find it uninteresting
Cognitive
Inhibition
the ability to tune out
the stimuli that are not
relevant to our task
Working
Memory
the ability to
temporarily hold
information needed
for decision-making
and reasoning
Inhibitory Control
the ability to curb
impulses and select
behaviors appropriate
for completing a goal
Cognitive
Flexibility
the ability to adapt
when rules or
circumstances change
Songs with movement
and repetition
Simon Says Minecraft Board Games Minecraft
Minecraft Puzzles Minecraft Songs with
movement and
repetition
Board Games Sorting
Games/Uno
Simon Says Sorting
Games/Uno
Sorting Games/Uno
https://leftbrainbuddha.com/10-fun-activities-that-teach-executive-functioning-kids-teens/
What challenges remain?
Share a concern:• balancing home and work in a shared space
• My elementary school principal has stated the expectation for
“learning time” is 1-2 hrs. A day. Also our Ed Techs that are in a
position to work are assigned to specific Special Ed students to
check in regularly during the week. This is our district position
anyway.
• Teaching from my unfinished basement. Brr! I have four children
and am having a really hard time keeping up with their distance
learning as I teach online. They are not completing their
assignments.
What challenges remain?
Share a concern:• Working from home has been a HUGE challenge for me! My 6 year
old daughter is doing school from home and I am only able to work
from my kitchen table.
• When parents are not making contact and we don't know whats
going on.
• I am hard of hearing so trying to find people’s faces on Zoom, to
read their lips, when they keep moving, is difficult.
• I think as a parent accepting that we will not always get it done and
there will be some regression and that is okay.
• I had a parent disconnect his internet so his son can’t do school
work on line
What challenges remain?
Share a concern:• parental capacity to support their should is a tough thing to
navigate. some parents have their own disabilities of mental health
challenges
• I think trying to balance being a teacher, parent, teacher for my own
kids, and just trying to be me has been tough. I have also faced
some challenges around parents who are struggling as well and
wanting more from us. Trying to find a good balance of both.
• My husband is retired. When he asks questions and I am working
or zooming, he feels I am ignoring him. What I have done is to
speak to him before I start a Zoom or work I must be focused for, I
explain to him, please do not interrupt me at this time. This is
helpful.
What challenges remain?
Share a concern:• My parents are not getting back to me either! I feel helpless and
heartbroken not knowing what is going on with them, even when I
reach out to my case managers and they pass on my messages, I
am still not hearing from them :(
• Imagining the struggles with basic needs many kids with ACES are
facing, it is hard to imagine how well they can be available for
learning - if even we, as educators, are struggling.
• My 7th grade daughter has Autism so trying to help accommodate
her work plus do my own work. I am being easy on myself and
saying it is all the work I am doing now. Her school is in the same
district where I work so I figure I am providing what she needs
because her teacher cannot be here right now. Emailing and
zooming her teachers really helps her stay connected socially.
What challenges remain?
Share a concern:• Our admin told students that the work they are currently doing
(review work) isn’t being graded…so the only ones working are the
diligent ones, which ends up being only 3 kids. Also, only having 3
kids engage online out of 14 is a struggle. Parents not reachable.
• For the hard of hearing: doesn’t help with zoom but if you are in
google chats you have the option to turn on captions. There may
be that option in zoom but I have yet to find it.
• Being a true support person for the WHOLE family more than ever
while balancing my family. Parent training should be a elementary
option too I’ve found not just in IFSP world.
• balancing work/self/family time is one of the biggest challenges for
me and recognizing I am doing the best I can with what I have.
Thoughts and Questions
5 Tips for Applying Differentiated Instruction in
eLearning/Distance Learning
4. Research the specific needs of your
learners.
– Recognize that a disease might affect the
educational functioning of students in online and
blended learning environments.
• Different stages of the disease might impact the student’s
functioning more than other times.
– Impact of pandemic on student health
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC.
Some Ideas...
1.Global Teletherapy services K-12 schools virtually with therapeutic services. As the number
of homebound students grows exponentially every day, the company’s therapists will be providing complimentary support sessions to the country’s youth. These 30-minute support sessions will be
held daily through June. They will range in age formats to discuss specific concerns. The group sessions will focus on keeping the students calm and engaged while homebound due to the current
situation.
2. Erika’s Lighthouse, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and raising awareness
about adolescent depression, encouraging good mental health, and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues, launched the “We’re In This Together” campaign to empower teens who feel isolated and alone during this health pandemic. It provides practical, meaningful tools to
support teens through these uncertain times when many people around the world are self -isolating. Resources for teens include a depression toolbox, which lets them know that hope and help is
possible, and it all starts with education on the topic. Teens also have access to apps for positive mental health and educational videos.
https://www.eschoolnews.com/2020/04/09/6-mental-health-resources-for-students-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/2/
Some Ideas...3. Rise and Shine from Children’s National touches on ways to help students deal with
disappointment. As schools close, and birthday parties, graduations, sporting events and all other activities grind to a halt for the foreseeable future, millions of children, tweens, teens and young
adults are faced with intense disappointment. Many of these events are occasions that have been long dreamt of or anticipated and the seemingly overnight cancellations are more than many kids can
handle. It is equally devastating for parents to see their children experience such disappointment.
4. The Child Mind Institute has a number of helpful tips when it comes to talking about the
coronavirus with children. Parents and caregivers shouldn’t be afraid to talk about the virus with their children, but it’s important to keep those discussions developmentally appropriate. Sticking to a routine and emphasizing what the family is doing to stay safe are two important considerations.
5. Meditations for Kids: This meditation app helps children relax through breathing, deal with
everyday stress, become calm and centered, and can help address worry and anxiety.
6. Stop, Breathe & Think: This meditation and mindfulness app helps users find peace
anywhere. It allows users to check in with their emotions, and recommends short guided meditations,
yoga and acupressure videos.
https://www.eschoolnews.com/2020/04/09/6-mental-health-resources-for-students-during-the-
coronavirus-pandemic/2/
Thoughts and Questions
5 Tips for Applying Differentiated Instruction in
eLearning/Distance Learning
5. Clarify expectations right from the start.➢Schedule the student's day and have the family prioritize
important areas
➢ until all involved have a better feel for the areas of strength and
need that might exist
➢Screen time be monitored for students with ADHD.
https://www.hfhighschool.org/assets/1/7/executivefuntioningtips.png
SOME IDEAS...
Accessibility
• Resources and templates
for schedules etc., broken
down by skill
deficit: https://www.pbisworld.co
m/
Engagement
• PBIS Powerpoint- Tips for
Parents: https://www.maine.gov/doe/sites/
maine.gov.doe/files/inline-
files/COVID-19%20PBIS_0.pdf
• Some Good
Advice...
(PBIS Webinar)https://www.maine.gov/doe/sites/ma
ine.gov.doe/files/inline-files/COVID-
19%20PBIS_0.pdf
When Children
become
"Out
of
Control"https://nurtureandthriveblog.com/five-steps-to-becoming-a-calm-and-centered-parent
Special Considerations...
• Kids with ADD: "When it comes to social media, research suggests
that kids who use the most social media are more unhappy and that kids
who use social media only to get “likes” and “follows” tend to have more negative experiences."
• Kids with health issues like Asthma and Diabetes: Stay in contact with parents and try and support them emotionally as well
as academically. They may be dealing with the reality that their children are at risk for complications should they contract COVID 19.
• Kids that require assistive technology to access online learning: Translate any assistive technology features that
were used at school into the home environment as best that you can. At
least make your administrators aware of the need if it has gone
unrecognized.
•Clichttps://www.moretoadhd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/SPN.PIP_.NB_.2019-0235-DTC-SocialMedia-
Flyer_L07.pdfk to add texthttps://psychcentral.com/lib/controlling-screen-time-for-children-with-adhd/ This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC
BY-SA-NC.
How to help:
• Kids with ADD:– Provide a schedule and remain vigilant on what your child can access, and keep
communication open about your family values and expectations about screen time.
– Children with ADD has difficulty self-monitoring so the schedule would make it clear.
– Children with ADD have difficulty with impulse control and may view inappropriate material online.
• Kids with health issues like Asthma and Diabetes: – Offer "office hours" that you are vailable for questions and concerens
– Be aware of the health issues related to children that have fragle health conditions
– Understand that families rely heavily on the school for materials and services that may not
be available to them at home
• Kids that require assistive technology to access online learning:– Translate any assistive technology features that were used at school into the home
environment as best tht you can. At least make your administrators aware of the need if it
has gone unrecognized.
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY.
What resources do you need?
How can DOE help you:• I need access to a printer
• https://districtadministration.com/presencelearning-webinar-v-
0409/?oly_enc_id=
• https://districtadministration.com/presencelearning-webinar-v-
0409/?oly_enc_id=
• http://www3.districtadministration.com/mailing/PresenceLearning04
2020/040920_DA_PresenceLearning_Final_Slide_Deck.pdf?oly_en
c_id=
• https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/207279736
• Moovlee on youtube is nice for kids and relaxation and yoga - very
calming and teaches academics in it
What resources do you need?
How can DOE help you:• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsSS5kMpKCaJ_HhTM9-
HKHg
• Google meet has captioning built in.
Disclaimer:
The links and websites shared in this
PowerPoint are for information and reference
only and are not endorsed in any way by the
Maine Department of Education.
Resources List
Included as an attachment
Where do I go for Current Updates?
Maine Department of Education Special Services Website:
https://www.maine.gov/doe/learning/specialed
State Director, Erin Frazier, has updated questions/answers, which
can be found in the Director's Corner on the Maine Department of
Education website:
https://www.maine.gov/doe/learning/specialed/director
Where do I go for Current Updates?
Federal government documents:
OCR Fact Sheet (03/16/2020)
http://bit.ly/COVIDOCRFacts
FERPA Guidance (03/12/2020)
http://bit.ly/FERPA-COVID19
OSEP Guidance (03/21/2020)
Supplemental Fact Sheet
Remember...
Please know that MDOE is here to support you and that we
will continue to provide you with the most updated
information as we receive it.
http://www.mindingthebedside.com/wp-
content/uploads/2011/02/BASIC-MINDFULNESS-SCRIPT-for-blog.pdf
Maine DOE is offering Contact Hours for each
Special Services Zoom meeting you view.
Please follow these steps:
1. Email Leora Byras at [email protected] on Friday with the
codes for each Zoom meeting you viewed.
2. You can go back and watch prior Special Services Zoom
meetings.
3. Allow at least 5 business days to receive your certificate of
participation.
Code for Contact Hours
- peach413
Contact InformationAnn Belanger – Deputy Director for Special Services
Roberta Lucas – Federal Programs Coordinator
Leora Byras – Special Education Consultant
Anne-Marie Adamson – Special Education Consultant
Colette Soldati-Sullivan – Special Education Consultant
Who’s Who at MDOE• Pender Makin – Maine State Commissioner of Education
• Erin Frazier – State Director of Special Services B-20
• Ann Belanger – Deputy Director for Special Services
• Roberta Lucas – Federal Programs Coordinator
• Mary Adley – Coordinator of State Agency Programs and Special Projects
• Roy Fowler – State Director Child Development Services
• Barbara McGowen – Finance Coordinator
• Shawn Collier – Data and Research Coordinator
• David Emberley – Due Process Consultant
• Tracy Whitlock – Special Education Consultant/Special Projects
• Colette Sullivan – Special Education Consultant
• Leora Byras – Special Education Consultant
• Anne-Marie Adamson – Special Education Consultant
• Colene O’Neill – Secretary Specialist
• Julie Pelletier – Secretary Associate
