Remote Learning Presents Challenges For Northeast Ohio Families With Special Education Needs

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine--who won national praise for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic last spring--now faces a revolt from within his own party over his leadership decisions.

Republican lawmakers drafted articles of impeachment against DeWine claiming his orders were unconstitutional and violated the civil rights of Ohioans.

John Becker, an Ohio Representative from Clermont County in southwestern Ohio introduced a measure detailing 10 articles of impeachment against the governor.  Those articles include claims that DeWine violated the separation of powers by creating new laws by having the Ohio Department of Health enact sweeping orders.  The articles state DeWine: overstepped by ordering the closure of schools, unconstitutionally closed businesses leading to record unemployment and violated Ohioans' rights by issuing a stay at home order.

Beginning this week, Ohio students return to school—but not necessarily the classroom.  Earlier this month, Governor Mike DeWine put the number of students returning to their physical school buildings this fall at less than 40%.  About a quarter of students, according to DeWine will be starting school remotely while others will use a combination of in-person and remote learning.

Learning from home using technology such as Zoom and Google Classroom may have seemed like a simple short-term fix last spring.  But six months later, some parents are facing another grading period of remote schooling children.

This week, Ideastream takes a look at the issues surrounding back to school during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic across all dayparts and platforms.

This morning, we are going to talk about some of the hardships special needs parents have faced as the new school year begins with the coronavirus still creating uncertainty.

 Ideastream will be reporting this week on a variety of issues connected to back to school during the pandemic.  You will find reports across all dayparts—including Morning Edition and All Things Considered as well as all platforms—including on our digital and social media channels.

To find all of the content from Homeroom: A Return to Learning, please go to ideastream.org/homeroom.

What is on the minds of Ohio voters or for that matter Americans as the 2020 election draws nearer? 

Award-winning Akron author, David Giffels new book, "Barnstorming Ohio" follows as he travels throughout Ohio talking to Ohioans and listening to what they had to say. 

Ohio earned its nickname as a bellwether for accurately picking presidents.  But, "Barnstorming Ohio" Giffels has said, is not a book about politics.  He says it's about people and the various, diverse regions that make up the Buckeye State.

For More Information:

Homeroom: A Return to Learning

Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

Heidi Pitlor, Coordinator for Distance Learning, Monarch Center for Autism
Shanna Kovi, Parent & Educator 
Veena Ahuja, MD, Psychiatrist, The Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital

David Giffels, Author, "Barnstorming Ohio: To Understand America"