COVID-19 Resources
ESC-20 Special Education Supports
ESC-20 is Here to Help!
The ESC-20 Special Education team is working hard to stay abreast of current events and research information on how we can offer support and guidance in the unkown days ahead.
This newsletter contains current and evolving resources that you will want to bookmark and follow regularly as updates are added.
Other information and resources shared in this newsletter:
- Governor Abbott Waives STAAR Testing Requirements
- Supporting Staff to move to Online and Digital Learning
- Resources/Information to share with Families/Caregivers to Support Learning in the Home
TEA's COVID-19 Resources
Special Education Guidance
Virtual Platforms that are HIPAA and FERPA Compliant for Speech Services
- Zoom for Healthcare: states that they are both HIPAA and FERPA compliant as long as the LEAs have a BAA (Business Associate Agreement) with Zoom. BAA ensures appropriate encryption levels.
- Vsee: Optimized for areas of poor internet service so it’s good for rural areas or slower connectivity. BAA will have to established as well.
As with all technology, there is ALWAYS a risk for a breach of confidentiality, and a disclaimer will have to be added for all services provided via any virtual mode.
ESC-20 Special Education TEAM
Download the Special Education Staff Photo Directory with Contact Information!
Additional COVID-19 Statewide Resources
Governor Abbott Waives STAAR Testing Requirements
Governor Greg Abbott today (March 16, 2020) announced that he has waived the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. Additionally, Governor Abbott is requesting that the Department of Education (DOE) waive federal testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year.
Governor Abbott is working closely with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to ensure that schools continue to deliver instruction to students while students are absent or while schools are closed due to COVID-19. This includes tailoring instruction for students with special needs so that they have access to the same education as other students in the district. Governor Abbott will continue to work with the TEA on developing additional methods to ensure that students are learning and ready to succeed at the next grade-level. These discussions are ongoing and more information will be provided as it develops.
"Your health and safety are top priorities, and the state of Texas will give school districts flexibility to protect and ensure the health of students, faculty, and their families," said Governor Abbott. "We will empower schools to make the best decisions to protect their communities from COVID-19."
The move to waive testing requirements reflects the Governor’s emphasis on public health over all other priorities at this time. In normal times, Texas’ assessment system provides educators and parents with reliable information on whether or not their students have mastered grade-level content. The Governor remains committed to ensuring parents, students, and school districts have access to this information in future years.
Superintendents should continue to prioritize the health and safety of students, faculty, and their families. Their leadership is an important part of our statewide efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and protect public health.
Press Release located HERE.
ESC-20 Will Continue to Share Breaking News on this Topic as It Becomes Available!
This is an AMAZING newsletter FULL of readily available and free resources!
- Social Narratives and Social Stories on Handwashing and Understanding COVID-19
- Communication Boards & Visual Supports
- Social Distancing
- Tips for Talking with Children
- Virus Anxiety Toolkit
- Supporting Learning at Home
- And MORE!
Click the image above or HERE to access the information!
Virtual Activities for Teachers and Families COVID-19
Great Resources for ALL Students and Teachers! Click the Image Below to Open the LiveBinder!
Teaching Remotely in Times of Need
Click HERE.
At-Home Learning
Click HERE.
Resources for Teaching Online Due to School Closures
Click HERE.
Council for Exceptional Children
KHAN Academy: COVID-19 School Closure Resources
Khan Academy is a free resource for students, teachers, and parents.
What is Khan Academy? We offer exercises, quizzes, and tests so students can practice and master skills, as well as instructional videos to help students learn or review material.
KHAN Academy has developed parent and teacher guides below!
Parents
- Daily schedules for students ages 4-18 to keep learning using Khan Academy during school closures
- Parent Quick Start Guide
- Parents: Frequently Asked Questions About Supporting Your Child’s Learning During School Closures
- A free webinar for parents is taking place Wednesday, March 18, at 8:00 pm ET / 5:00 pm PT. Recordings will be available for those who can not attend.
Teachers
- Free Teacher Resources
- Watch a recording of a free webinar for teachers who would like to learn how to use Khan Academy.
Scholastic At Home Learning
Get Started HERE!
When School Is Closed: Resources to Keep Kids Learning at Home
A Sample Day with Ideas to Help Fill the Time
*disclaimer: what follows is a pretty packed day with a lot of transitions. The purpose here is not to impose a structure but to offer ideas for how to break up the time. Think of it as a menu of options; pick and choose what works for your children and your family.
8:00 Make breakfast together
9:00 An hour of schoolwork
10:00 DIY Science project
11:00 Exercise! Here are some Indoor suggestions
12:00 Creative lunch-making
1:00 Second session of schoolwork
2:00 Round 2 of physical activity - we all need it...
3:00 Healthy snack & DIY Crafts project
4:00 Write, rehearse, and perform a play or mock commercial, or dress up time.
6:00 Prepare, eat, and clean up dinner; everyone helps.
8:00 Board Games/showers/read aloud before bed
Guide to Surviving Kids at Home
Guide to Surviving Kids at Home
Click the Image Below to Download the 30 Day Lego Challenge!
Questions? Contact Us!
ESC-20 Statewide Liaisons
Lisa Kirby, M.Ed.
Email: lisa.kirby@esc20.net
Website: www.esc20.net/SPEDFSA
Location: 1314 Hines, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: 210-370-5469
Facebook: facebook.com/escregion20
Twitter: @ESCRegion20
Kelly Joseph, M.Ed.
Email: kelly.joseph@esc20.net
Website: www.esc20.net/SPEDFSA
Location: 1314 Hines, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: 210-370-5664
Facebook: facebook.com/escregion20
Twitter: @ESCRegion20
Kimberly Baumgardner, M.Ed.
Email: kimberly.baumgardner@esc20.net
Website: www.esc20.net/SPEDFSA
Location: 1314 Hines Avenue, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: 210-370-5431
Facebook: facebook.com/escregion20
Twitter: @ESCRegion20