Special Education

Office of Special Education - Our Purpose

To lead the improvement of outcomes for preparing all children and students with disabilities and their families for learning, earning and living through effective use of data, collaboration, communication, and a framework of differentiated support.

Coronavirus Resources - IDEA Guidance

The NDE is committed to assisting school communities during public health emergencies. We support school districts in their decisions to keep student and staff safety their top priority. Should a crisis arise, NDE will work closely with other state and federal agencies to ensure continuation of critical services to students, families, and educators and the restoration of the teaching and learning environment.

NDE RESOURCES FOR THE CORONAVIRUS

Below is communication released by the Office of Special Education Programs to support you as you implement IDEA during the Coronavirus outbreak. Please reach out to our office should you have any further questions.

OSEP – IDEA Part B Use of Funds

OSEP – IDEA Part C Use of Funds

OSEP Q & A – Implementation of IDEA Part B Dispute Resolution Procedures

OSEP Q & A – Implementation of IDEA Part C Dispute Resolution Procedures

IDEA Best Practices Document

SUPPLEMENTAL FACT SHEET: ADDRESSING THE RISK OF COVID-19 IN PRESCHOOL, ELEMENTARY, AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ON PROVIDING SERVICES TO CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES DURING THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 OUTBREAK

NDE – Q AND A FOR PROVIDING SPECIAL EDUCATION AND EARLY INTERVENTION DURING CORONAVIRUS SCHOOL CLOSURE

SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES DURING THE CORONAVIRUS SCHOOL CLOSURES CLARIFICATION

Part C/EDN COVID-19 Resources

Data Collection Process During Covid-19 School Closures/In-Home Visit Suspensions – GOLD

Communication for Families/Parents of Students with Disabilities during this Covid-19 epidemic

Extended School Year Guidance Document

Learning Guidance for Students with Disabilities for Summer Programming and Beyond

Additional Covid-19 Special Education Resources

Teaching Special Education Online Resource Toolbox

SPECIAL EDUCATION – PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

NSPA Testing Considerations Document

Rethinking Deaf and Hard of Hearing Accessibility in Post-COVID-19 Classrooms

Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing – Letter regarding Clear Masks

NE Council of School Administrators (NCSA): Continuity of Learning Zoom Conference Call (3/23/20)

Council for Exceptional Children – Teaching Special Educ. Online During Covid-19 Webinar (3/18/2020)

Remember Accessibility in the Rush to Online Instruction: 10 Tips for Educators

How to Be a Better Online Teacher – Advice Guide

Supporting Students with Disabilities in K-12 Online and Blended Learning

KSB School Law Coronavirus Blog

Supporting Students During Covid 19 – Information for Special Educators Like You

NCDHH Communications NCDHH Communications

4 Ways to Help Kids Relax as the Coronavirus Upends Everyday Life

How to Talk to a Child who is Deaf/Blind About COVID19

National Center for Systemic Improvement (NCSI) – “Open-Access” Resources for Educators & Parents to Use At Home / Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During COVID-19 Outbreak.

Remote Use of Paraprofessional Supports for Students with Disabilities During the Covid-19 Pandemic

MHTTC Resources around Mental Health

National Association of School Psychologists COVID-19 Resources

Supports for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities

Parent Resources

Communication for Families/Parents of Students with Disabilities during this Covid-19 epidemic

TVI O&M Activities for School at Home

National Center for Systemic Improvement (NCSI) – “Open-Access” Resources for Educators & Parents to Use At Home / Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During COVID-19 Outbreak.

Ceeder Center Family Guide to At-Home Learning

Translating IEP Goals to Home – Using SEL Fundamentals

TIES Center Parent/Family Resources

Virtual IEP Meeting Tip Sheets from the Progress Center

Positive Behavior Intervention and Support

Tips for Families – Distance Learning for Special Education

Early Childhood Resources – Pyramid Model

Supporting Child and Family Well-being

Talking to your child about COVID-19

IDEA Best Practices Document

Upcoming SPED Events

2020 NeMTSS Virtual Reading Symposium

From Research to Practice

A Virtual Professional Development Series

The NeMTSS Reading Symposium is offering three days of virtual professional learning to increase instructional leaders with knowledge and skills related to evidence-based literacy. This series will inform participants in Pre-K through grade 12 of instruction that supports the theme, “From Research to Practice.” All webinars are free for participants on the following dates:

July 13-PreK-12 Keynote “From Research to Practice.”

July 20-PreK-5 EB Interventions, Practices, and Strategies

July 27-Grades 6-12 EB Interventions, Practices, and Strategies

Specific times for presentations will be available closer to the event.

2020 NeMTSS Reading Symposium Virtual Schedule At A Glance

Register for any/all event at:

https://mtss.events.education.ne.gov/

2020 NeMTSS Summit - Moving Forward into the Unknown

Starting in August, 8 week Virtual SEL Series designed to strengthen your system to support students and staff.

Each week will contain 2 sessions – 1 designed for Leadership and 1 designed for Instructional Staff

8 weeks with strands that include:
Equitable Opportunities for All
Engaging and Strengthening Partnerships
Adults as Change Agents
Creating a Climate of Support
Prioritizing the Core
Putting the Pieces Together Moving Forward