Special Education and Distance Learning FAQs

On July 17, 2020, Governor Gavin Newson announced reopening criteria that schools must meet before they can allow students to attend classes in person and be on campus. Schools are allowed to reopen for in-person instruction only if the county in which the school is located has not been on the State's COVID-19 monitoring list within the prior fourteen (14) days. At present, Fresno County is on the State's monitoring list. As such, the Clovis Unified School District is not permitted to open its schools for in-person instruction.

The below FAQs serve to provide you information about your child's special education services during this period of closures for in-person instruction. The District is tracking carefully the status of Fresno County so that it is prepared to reopen schools when it is able and when it is safe to do so. The District will continue to update these FAQs as it receives updated guidance from state and local public health officials.

Topic/Question
	Answer
	
What does the July 17, 2020 COVID-19 and Reopening In-Person Learning Framework for K-12 Schools in California, 2020-2021 School Year mandate?
	On July 17, 2020, Governor Newsom announced the California Department of Public Health's ("CDPH") reopening criteria for in-person instruction. Schools located in counties on the state's Monitoring List are prohibited from physically opening for in-person instruction until the county in which the school is located has been off of the state's Monitoring List for the prior fourteen (14) consecutive days.

The CDPH's COVID-19 and Reopening In-Person Learning Framework for K-12 Schools in California, 2020-2021, can be viewed here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/Schools%20Reopening%20Recommendations.pdf
Additional information issued by Governor Gavin Newsom may be viewed here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/07/17/governor-gavin-newsom-lays-out-pandemic-plan-for-learning-and-safe-schools/
	
What is distance learning?
	The passage of Senate Bill 98 (SB 98) included information about what constitutes distance learning. Distance learning means instruction in which the pupil and instructor are in different locations. "Distance learning" may include, but is not limited to, all the following: (1) interaction, instruction, and check-ins between teachers and pupils through the use of a computer or communications technology; (2) video or audio instruction in

	which the primary mode of communication between the pupil and certificated employee is online interaction, instructional television, video, tele-courses, or other instruction that relies on computer or communications technology; (3) the use of print materials incorporating assignments that are the subject of written or oral feedback.

(Education Code § 43500, subd. (a)(1)-(a)(3).)
	
What does daily participation look like in distance learning?
	Daily participation in distance learning may include: (1) evidence of participation in online activities (including completing assignments and assessments); or 2) contact between the District and the pupil or parent/guardian.

Teachers will be taking daily attendance and documenting the daily participation of each student during distance learning. A student who does not participate in distance learning in a school day will be marked absent. Students who are absent for more than three (3) schooldays or 60% of the instructional days in a week must participate in tiered reengagement strategies designed to ensure better attendance

(Education Code § 43504, subd. (a), (d)(1)-(d)(2), (f)(1), and (f)(2).)
	
Will my child's IEP be implemented during distance learning?
	Yes. For students with IEPs, distance learning will include special education, related services, and any other services required by the IEP, with accommodations necessary to ensure that the IEP can be executed in the distance learning environment.

Each student will have a distance learning plan that will explain how their IEP services will be executed during Distance Learning. Service providers will continue to be a part of every child's IEP team during this time away from school. In the event that a child is having difficulty accessing any component of their distance learning plan, parents/guardians are encouraged to contact any member of the IEP team.

(Education Code § 43503, subd. (b)(4).)

Does my child's distance learning plan replace his/her/their IEP?
	No. Your child's IEP remains in place and is written for a traditional learning educational model. The distance learning plan merely explains how the IEP is executed in a distance learning model. If during the period of distance learning an IEP team meeting is convened, any amendments to the IEP would be for the traditional in-school learning model or other educational models that the IEP team has determined is FAPE for the student (e.g. Home instruction, Independent Studies). Based on those amendments, your child's distance learning plan may be modified.
	
Are we open to collaboration efforts of parents and the professional community?
	CUSD has always and will continue to work in close partnership with many outside agencies that have been an invaluable resource to help us support our kids. Further, parents also are integral resources, and we welcome your comments. If a parent has a concern that the parent would like the IEP team to address, the District will schedule an IEP team meeting.
	
Is Independent Study or Flexible Online Option available for my child?
	All parents can request that their child be placed in independent studies or in the Flexible Online Option. However, if such a request is made, your child's IEP team will need to discuss whether this option is appropriate for your child, in the context of FAPE. Any change would also constitute a change in placement that would need to be documented in the IEP.
	
How are we serving students outside the K-12 grade range?
	CUSD will follow the same learning plan as we do with K-12.
	
How can parents get help with technology issues?
	The District's Home Webpage offers links for Technology Help for Students to assist with basic questions such as password resetting and laptop and hotspot troubleshooting. On the website, a parent can access links to videos for the language arts digital curriculum. As more online 'training opportunities' become available, they will be posted there. If there is a teacher or department using specialized digital curriculum that is not being used District wide, the teacher is the point person for those questions.

Where can you get more information?
	Your school site IEP team is the best place to start. The CDE also put out FAQs which are available on the CDE website at: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/dl/distlearningfaqs.asp#accordionfaq
Fresno County's Public Health Department has also published information regarding COVID-19 and the response within the county. This is available on the county's website at: https://www.co.fresno.ca.us/departments/public-health/covid-19