The Special Educator’s Guide to Distance Education

By the time they start their first job, special education teachers should be equipped with evidence- and research-based strategies to teach content and assess learning. While many of today’s special education teachers have skills in using instructional and assistive technologies, few are prepared to be distance educators for students with disabilities. The need for distance education services in special education is not new, and the field of special education was one of the first to venture into offering coursework via distance education out of necessity, as many students with disabilities experience extended school absences. With legislation requiring that all students have access to a free an appropriate education, special education teachers need the skills to engage in non-traditional instruction – and especially in distance education – if the needs of all students with disabilities are to be met.

The topics to be covered in this text include foundations for distance education including how to prepare for distance learning, engaging students, tracking student progress, selecting assistive technology, and successfully implementing behaviour supports. This text also provides guidance on a variety of subject-specific tips for special educators including information on teaching reading, STEM instruction, and early childhood education; and how to support students’ social-emotional growth including mental health supports, culturally and linguistically responsive practices, and transition planning. Special features as follows: chapter objectives, reflection questions, a meet-the-authors chapter closer, and additional resources for further learning.