Special Education Classes Work to Implement Social Distancing, While Staying ‘Hands On’

Special education will look unique this year. For many instructors, this fall’s transition to the classroom also comes with a call for new ideas. “Our students are unique in that some students cannot remove a mask independently, so we cannot put masks on those students,” said the Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District special education director, Tricia Meneguzzo. Instead, each student will have an individual face covering plan, made by their parent. The DIISD is mandating that special ed teachers wear a mask or a shield. “We have the communication masks, that are the clear that show the mouth,” said Meneguzzo. They also have medical masks, shields, and rapid response face shield, which covers the neck. In the classroom many things will remain hands-on, but in a safe way. Woodland Elementary houses two special education rooms. Right now, the teacher is working to make sure each student has their own desk, and own learning materials. But she’s just happy to get students back to the classroom. Read More