Missouri

DESE Office of Special Education Compliance COVID-19 Related School Reopening and Distance Learning Question and Answer Guide

Summary: The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released a guidance document for reopening and distance learning special education services. It provides guidance on IEPs, telehealth, compensatory services, transportation and homebound services.

Operated by: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Topic: Distance Learning, IEP, Telehealth

Part B Compliance 2019-20 Year-End To-Do List

Summary: Missouri released a document with the expectation of continued educational opportunities for special education during COVID-19. It lists various methods by which schools may implement alternative methods of instruction for students with disabilities, many of which include the provision of State-provided assistive technology. It also discusses a “tiered” system of monitoring students based on the level of disability, adjusting assessments and virtual instruction accordingly.

Operated by: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 

Topic: Distance Learning

Special Education Compliance COVID-19 Q&A

Summary: This document contains questions and answers regarding special education during COVID-19. It discusses the process by which IEP teams should hold virtual IEP meetings, the process by which schools should assess the least restrictive virtual environment for students, procedures for students with disabilities and additional advice for students on an IEP who participate in distance learning.

Operated by: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 

Topic: Distance Learning

Implementation guidance for alternative methods of instruction (AMI) days for students with disabilities

Summary: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has created alternative methods of instruction (AMI) plans. This document discusses how AMI plans impact students with disabilities. It specifically highlights how to update IEP plans to best accommodate students with disabilities’ needs and the provision of additional assistive technology to students with disabilities participating in AMI

Operated by: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Topic: IEP, Assistive Technology

Social-Emotional Learning and Trauma-Informed Schools Initiative

Summary: This web page provides resources and information on Missouri’s Social Emotional Learning initiative to adjust to COVID-19 related trauma. It provides additional advice and resources for schools and parents attempting to guide their child through COVID-related mental health concerns. 

Operated by: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Topic: Mental Health

Pandemic Recovery Considerations: Re-Entry and Reopening Schools

Summary: This document discusses multiple considerations for students with disabilities upon returning to in-person learning. It requires that service providers remain in consistent contact with students with disabilities participating in distance learning, emphasizing the utilization of multiple means of contact. Additionally, the document highlights potential IEP adjustments, as well as changes to IEP meetings, that may significantly benefit students with disabilities. It further discusses adjusting transition services, for students leaving secondary education and for students returning to Missouri public schools, to accommodate potential loss in educational attainment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Operated by: Missouri School Boards’ Association

Topic: Transition, IEP, Distance Learning

COVID-19 and Summer School 2020 Questions and Answers for Local Education Agencies

Summary: This document discusses potential adjustments to IEPs to provide summer school services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These adjustments include transportation assistance, extended school year services, and so on. 

Operated by: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Topic: IEP