Impact of the pandemic on special education in Maine, and how students, teachers and parents are meeting challenges

By Jennifer Rooks,

Cindy Han

Published October 6, 2021 at 7:00 AM EDT

The hands of Maryland School for the Blind student Andrea Washington and science teacher Colleen Shovestull use their sense of touch on a topographical map of the solar system during a visit to NASA Headquarters in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009. Seven students from the Maryland School for the Blind visited NASA and participated in activities to learn about NASA'smission, functions, and careers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

Impact of the pandemic on special education in Maine, and how students, teachers and parents are meeting challenges

Special education in Maine serves students with mental, physical, emotional and behavioral disabiities. This segment of the educational system faces challenges in normal times, and the pandemic has created even more difficulties for students, parents and teachers. We'll learn about the ways in which those involved with special ed have been finding ways to maintain learning and support.

Panelists:
Erin Frazier, director, Office of Special Services, Maine Department of Education
Carrie Woodcock, executive director, Maine Parent Federation
Paige Fournier, special education teacher, Freeport Middle School; 2021 Cumberland County Teacher of the Year

VIP Callers:
Gay McDonald, executive director, Maine Administrator of Services for Children with Disabilities (MADSEC)
Eric Campbell, director of educational services, Spurwink