School district not doing enough for pupils: parent
“It is important to note, however, that the overarching approach at this time is to support ongoing learning at home, not instruction at home,” it said.
It added the district’s learning-at-home approach is designed to be inclusive to all students. It’s based on a universal design for learning framework and aims to engage students across all grade levels, developmental abilities and interests.
“We cannot completely replicate the instruction and services provided in schools through virtual means,” the email said. “We can, however, explore what is within the realm of the possible, continue to maintain relationships with students and do whatever we can to assist families during these challenging times.”
But parents such as Maria Alfonso of St. John’s believe the school board should do more for their children.
Alfonso, whose daughter, Sarah, has autism and global developmental delay, said she had to contact Sarah’s Janeway Hospital pediatrician, who, in turn, contacted the school to push for more help.
“Oh my gosh, it’s really been awful dealing with this. Brutal!” Alfonso said. “Very little is being done for students in primary and elementary, but they’re doing even less for kids with special needs.”
Alfonso said her daughter is unable to complete a worksheet or respond to questions on Google Classroom, but can sit and listen to someone read her a story or do certain simple exercises.
“For a child who needs constant care and can’t do things on their own, getting specialized help for them is so important,” she said. “What works for kids who are able to do certain things doesn’t work for these kids with disabilities.
“They’re really being left out.”