Lessons from the Trenches: Special Education Service Delivery and Instruction Amidst the COVID-19 Health Crisis in California Schools

Authors

  • Nicole Nicholson, EdD (Author) Brandman University image/svg+xml
    Nicole Nicholson, EdD is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at Brandman University. She completed her Doctor of Education degree with an emphasis in Educational Psychology at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles in 2012. Her research has historically focused on issues in special education, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and how the condition of ADHD impacts the executive and academic functioning of those possessing the disorder. Nicholson continues to present her research both domestically and internationally. She has completed visiting fellowships in fMRI at the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging in Boston, MA and New Mexico State University at the MIND Institute.
https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.503
In this qualitative study, 8 mild/moderate education specialists in California were interviewed to discuss what lessons were learned regarding online instruction and service delivery for students receiving special education services when schools closed due to the COVID-19 health crisis. Thematic analysis indicated that the following strategies were successful and would continue to be used or eventually implemented: Addressing affect before academics, frequent face to face interactions with students online, using familiar technology with flexibility, and creating consistency between home and school routines. Giving asynchronous assignments and nonconsequential attendance and evaluation were considered ineffective practices posing major barriers impacting instruction and special education service delivery.

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There are 32 references in total.
Nicholson, N. (2022). Lessons from the Trenches: Special Education Service Delivery and Instruction Amidst the COVID-19 Health Crisis in California Schools. Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, 17(3), 121-144. https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.503

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  • Article Type Articles
  • Submitted August 27, 2022
  • Published October 15, 2022
  • Issue Fall 2022
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