Omicron, special education, and marginalized communities

Schools are reeling from the impact of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19. But what does it mean for special education, kids with learning and thinking differences, and marginalized communities? Hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace discuss how they’re managing the new COVID wave as both parents and teachers. They get an update on how schools around the country are responding, with some going virtual, others staying in-person, and — in a few cases — even closing because of a lack of staff. Marissa shares about how her virtual charter school is approaching the Omicron wave and special education. And Julian shares a poignant story about a student who ran away from home and for whom in-person school is a safe place. Understood is a nonprofit and social impact organization dedicated to shaping a world where the 1 in 5 people who learn and think differently can thrive. Learn more about “The Opportunity Gap” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2022 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved.

Episode 6 of the Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education podcast, hosted by Understood.org, titled "Omicron, special education, and marginalized communities" was published on January 20, 2022 and runs 29 minutes.

January 20, 2022 ·29m · Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education

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Summary

Episode Description

Schools are reeling from the impact of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19. But what does it mean for special education, kids with learning and thinking differences, and marginalized communities?

Hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace discuss how they’re managing the new COVID wave as both parents and teachers. They get an update on how schools around the country are responding, with some going virtual, others staying in-person, and — in a few cases — even closing because of a lack of staff. Marissa shares about how her virtual charter school is approaching the Omicron wave and special education. And Julian shares a poignant story about a student who ran away from home and for whom in-person school is a safe place.

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.

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