- The New York State Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages, Office of Standards and Instruction, Office of Special Education, and Office of Religious and Independent School Support have issued a memorandum (see attached) addressing the option of providing virtual instruction to provide uninterrupted learning opportunities to individual students who may be averse or unable to attend school. This includes English Language Learners, immigrant, and migrant students as well as others who may be affected and reluctant to attend school in person due to concerns about their safety and security.
- Schools must ensure that all students participating in virtual instruction have access to an appropriate device and sufficient internet service to engage in learning fully.
- Instruction must be delivered by an appropriately certified teacher, align with applicable New York State Learning Standards, be provided in accordance with students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and include mechanisms for documenting student mastery of learning outcomes.
- Questions on the implementation of virtual learning can be directed to the Office of Educational Design and Technology atedtech@nysed.gov or (518) 474-5461.
- Questions on instruction for English Language Learners, immigrant, and newcomer students can be directed to the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages at (518) 474-8755 or OBEWL@nysed.gov.
- Questions on instruction for students with disabilities can be directed to the Office of Special Education at (518) 473-2878 or speced@nysed.gov.
- Questions on instruction for religious and independent schools can be directed to the Office of Religious and Independent School Support (ORISS) at oriss@nysed.gov or (518) 473-8202.
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