Distance Learning or School In-Person? 5 Questions to Help you Decide!
"There are no right answers to wrong questions.” – Urusla K. Le Guin
You’ve been presented an impossible task, mama. You’ve been asked to predict the future in a time when our world’s top scientists can’t even paint us a clear picture of what our coming year will hold. You’ve been asked to make a plan for your exceptional child’s schooling, as schools scramble themselves to make their own complicated decisions. We know you will prevail, as you
always do, but this is a complicated decision. And for you mamas who have
children with ADHD, autism, learning and language differences, or anxiety, this decision is even more complicated and challenging!
Full-time in-person schooling, or hybrid in-person/distance learning, or full-time distance learning… you, willingly or not, were thrust into distance learning in the blink of an eye this spring. To complicate matters, your child likely needs and receives specialized supports, modifications, and accommodations at school,
such as through an IEP or 504-Plan. Now, perhaps, you have some options and you’re wondering what is best for your child.
Rightfully, you’re concerned. Your child’s world has been upended over the past half year (thanks 2020!). You’re desperate for that crystal ball that will tell you the outcome of each of your choices. Well, we are not psychics (we’re psychologists… common mistake… haha!). But we hope to help you ask the right questions... because, without the right questions you will struggle to find the best answer. Notice how we didn’t say right answer because, well, there probably isn’t one.
We recognize that some families will not have a schooling choice for a variety of reasons. If this is you, and you long for a different option, please know that you are doing the best with what you have.
Exceptional times with exceptional kids call for exceptional grace.
When we went to write a list of advantages and disadvantages of each schooling option… we were stumped. There are many overlapping advantages and disadvantages of each situation that are highly dependent on each family’s circumstance. For example, socialization, on the surface, seems like a glaring advantage of in-person schooling, but that may not actually be the case. Socialization could be very challenging in person if students wear masks all day, are forced to socially distance, and are unable to participate in specials and recess. On the other hand, some distance learning families may be able to socialize with small groups of families in more quality ways that don’t involve social distancing and masks. So, as you can see, depending on your family’s circumstance, advantages and disadvantages are so variable.
Below, we have put together a list of some question to consider as you are making your decision.
5 Important Questions to Consider
1) How did my child do with distance learning this spring?
One positive that came from school shutdowns this spring was that you had an opportunity to test out distance learning with your child already. Maybe you were pleasantly surprised by how much happier your child seemed when they were given play breaks, trampoline time to refocus, and much needed accommodations/individualized attention that they weren’t getting in a classroom of 30 kids? Or maybe you were inches from losing your sanity trying to juggle work and your child’s constant refusal and tantrums over at-home learning? If you weren’t happy with distance learning in the spring, then the situation, without significant changes, will likely be repeated in the fall, and vice versa.
2) Is my child’s school making improvements to how distance learning was handled in the spring?
If you were not satisfied with how distance learning was delivered, check-in with your school again to find out what will be similar or different for the fall. Remember, schools had to throw together distance learning in just a few short weeks this past spring. You will want to find out the plan for fall before deciding if you liked/did not like how it was delivered. Remember, there are many online public, charter school, and private school/tutoring options available that have always been set-up for distance learning. So, if you are dedicated to distance learning next year, you may want to check-out other school options that may have more robust distance learning programs to support your child.
3) Does my child have a strong preference or is my child experiencing any emotional symptoms since being out of school?
Talk to your child about how they are feeling right now with all of these changes. By now they have had a chance to wear a mask out in public, distance from other people, and complete school at home. They may be feeling depressed or experience increased anxiety being at home for extended periods. Make sure you consider their emotional well-being in addition to their physical health.
On the other hand, many of you reported that your anxious children actually felt lower levels of anxiety during remote learning. This will be different for each child. So make sure you have a conversation with them to identify their own pros and cons to aid in this decision.
For kids who are old enough, you can use this framework to better understand their thoughts on schooling:
4) What option will provide my child with the most consistency?
If you are considering in-person, keep in mind that if your child does return to school for a period of time, there is the possibility they will return to distance learning in the event of another rise in COVID-19 cases. If your child struggles with transitions and change, you may want to select the option that provides the most consistency throughout the year. Talk with your school about the plan if this does happen. For example, will your child have the same teacher or will it be a different teacher?
5) If I do distance learning, how will my child receive specialized instruction that is listed on their IEP?
For many of you, your child did not receive their specialized instruction written into their IEP when schools shut down in the spring. If your child receives reading, writing, or math instruction from a special education teacher or paraprofessional at school, find out how this will be delivered and how often. If your child receives therapies, such as speech, occupational, social therapies, or counseling, find out how these will be delivered and how often.
If you do not feel that your child will be supported, schedule a meeting with your IEP team to discuss your concerns and troubleshoot. Pro tip: you can schedule IEP meetings anytime throughout the year. You don't have to wait until your child's scheduled annual IEP or 504 meeting.
If available to you, you may want to seek out supports outside of the school setting in order to provide consistency of treatment. Many psychologist, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and tutors are providing both in-person and telehealth services, which could be used to provide any additional support your child might need during this time.
To help support you in making these incredibly difficult decisions, we have put together a resource to help you!
Also, don’t forget to head on over to Facebook or Instagram where we provide daily tips, inspiration, and an awesome community of parents who are making the same decisions as you. You're not alone in this.
You've got this!
Disclaimer: The contents of this site are opinions of The Childhood Collective PLLC partners unless otherwise noted. The information on this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any type of medical condition and is not intended as personalized medical/psychological advice. Any decision you make regarding you and your family’s health and medical treatments should be made with a qualified healthcare provider.
