Remote learning can be particularly difficult for elementary school students, those with special needs, students learning English for the first time and students who lack devices or internet. | Pixabay
Remote learning can be particularly difficult for elementary school students, those with special needs, students learning English for the first time and students who lack devices or internet. | Pixabay
The Troy school district, located in suburban Detroit, announced that it has stopped all in-person classes due to an astronomical uptick in COVID-19 cases, according to Bridge Michigan.
According to one mother, life for her family has become difficult to manage due to mandatory remote learning orders imposed by the state.
Stephanie Onyx, mother of two special-needs children, says she sees herself as a single mother and an accountant. She doesn't claim to be a teacher, but the school district is forcing her to be one. Both of her children have complicated special needs and require aides to be by their sides at all times when they are attending school.
Her story is just one of many similar stories. State officials say that in-person education is imperative for children with special needs.
In-person learning “is especially important for… our severe special-needs children, our beginning English language learners, our fledgling readers,” State Superintendent Michael Rice said, according to Bridge Michigan. “At a minimum, they should have an opportunity to learn in school.”
“There are few easy answers during the pandemic,” said Kerry Birmingham, a spokeswoman for the Troy district, told Bridge Michigan. “These decisions, while difficult, are made with a specific focus on health and safety while continuing to make every effort possible to continue educating our students in the midst of a global health crisis.”
Alerts Sign-up