After numerous coronavirus outbreaks in preschools, elementary schools, and high schools throughout Israel, Education Minister Yoav Gallant announced the government's plan to curb new infections when students return to school in September.
"We want to implement 'half classes," said Gallant last Wednesday. "Those who will give up ... their [physical] presence at school will be the older students."
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He explained that although most students will have in-person classes once a week, students starting from fifth grade will study off-campus for the majority of the time. This model means that young children who need adult supervision are guaranteed full-time in-person classes, a measure designed to protect working parents and the economy.
Remote classes via Zoom certainly seem like a workable solution that can keep students safe while still allowing them to learn.
But what about students for whom distance learning is not an option? For many Israeli Special-education students, a video conference app is not enough.
In March, Israeli schools were shuttered nationwide over the pandemic, leaving around 250,000 special-education students without the therapies, consistent schedules, and specialized frameworks that are critical to their development both academically and socially.
Sharona Eliyahu Hai, Director of the Israeli Society for Autistic Children, pointed out that distance learning wasn't feasible for many, saying, "You can't sit a special needs child down and say, 'study.'"
Special-education students thrive in an environment that looks different than a traditional classroom, where close one-on-one guidance makes all the difference. For some Israeli families, special education classes are the only place where their children receive the support and guidance they need. In-person classes also mean that parents of students who require round-the-clock care can work.
Students with unique physical needs might benefit from equipment available at their schools that they don't have at home. In March, a large number of parents spoke to Israeli media outlets about how the closure of special education schools affected their children.
Efrat Hacham, the mother of a 12-year-old daughter who uses a wheelchair and has cerebral palsy said, "School is the only place she has friends. They've left us without treatments. Now they say the therapeutic pool is closed. She could regress. It's very hard."
When in-person classes resumed for Special-education students in late April, numerous parents reported mixed messages from school administrators, up until the final hours before the first day back on campus. Administrators explained to parents that the Ministry of Education was releasing conflicting information, and were themselves struggling to understand the next steps for reopening.
Many people living with special needs struggle with uncertainty and greatly benefit from a routine they can count on, so last-minute changes are especially detrimental to Special-education students. I pray that the return of the school year in September will be handled professionally and in a well-thought-out manner.
I urge the Education Ministry to facilitate full time, in-person classes for special-education students, regardless of age. The fact that the ministry's plan for special-education students wasn't mentioned by Gallant is simply unacceptable.
Although I believe parents should have the final say in sending their children back to school, it is of the utmost importance that they have the option to do so.
It's clear that mistakes were made when the school system was reopened in May. The government has nearly admitted as much. But special-education students should not pay the price.
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