I’m an educator, but I’m also a parent of a child with a 504. There has been a lot of confusion lately from both teachers and parents about how services for students with IEPs, ILPs, and 504s will continue while schools are closed. An ILP (individual learning plan) outlines services for English language learners. An…
If parents suspected there were issues at their children’s school, those issues might stand out even more now that parents have been tasked with helping their children with e-learning. Some school leaders knew there were issues, but they haven’t received the help they needed. I remember when I learned that we were moving away from…
During a press conference yesterday Dr. Jennifer McCormick, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction, shared that her office was working with FSSA to expand child care options in the state. Although schools were ordered to close, child care providers were labeled as essential and are able to operate. Some did close when schools closed because their…
The foundation of a successful school is the relationship between parents and teachers. When this relationship is solid, there is an increased possibility of student success. Unfortunately, too many teachers and administrators have shared that parent engagement is an area of improvement. Initiatives are created, efforts are made, but at some point, school staff count…
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced during a press conference at 1 p.m. today that Indiana schools will be closed until May 1. Holcomb shared, “I wanted to add some certainty to some uncertain times and therefore directing all schools to be closed until May 1st. As we get nearer to May 1st we may have…
Parents are stressed and panicking as schools across the nation close for weeks. The governors of Indiana’s neighboring states (Illinois and Michigan) have closed schools across their entire state. Indiana Governor Holcomb decided to offer schools a wavier of 20 instructional days instead of mandating a statewide school closure. If school leaders decide to close…
This week began with Avon Community Schools closing through March 20 because one student tested positive for the coronavirus and another has symptoms. Avon students will have e-learning days instead. At a press conference held to provide updates about the Avon school closing, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick said, “Nothing is perfect about…
Last week, my school had a sub who shared with students that she was from China. There is nothing wrong with people sharing with others where they were born and information about their country. Due to coronavirus hysteria and xenophobic comments from adults online, I should not have been surprised that students would also fall…
I recently attended a program where students received awards for exhibiting certain behaviors. I noticed the majority of students who earned behavior awards were girls. Normally, this would be the moment that I, mother of two sons, would have expressed frustration about how boys are overly chastised about their behavior. I would have emphasized that…
Erika Sanzi, former educator and education writer, shared an article on Twitter about a proposed classroom observation policy in Rhode Island. Here’s an excerpt from the article: One of the proposed policies would allow parents and guardians to formally observe their child in the classroom by sitting in on a class, provided they sign a…