February 10, 2021: Updates and Resources

Arizona Department of Education Updates and Resources

Superintendent Hoffman’s State of Special Education Address

In this year’s State of Special Education address, I wanted to share with our lawmakers the profound impact COVID-19 has had on the special education community within our public schools. As a former speech therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how schools offer our students in special education far more than just academics – they provide essential wraparound services to support the growth and success of all students.

In the face of the immense challenges of the past year, Arizona educators, caregivers, and families have responded with innovation, creativity, quick-thinking, and adaptation. I know it has not been easy. And I again call on the state to provide our public schools and the special education programs within them predictable, sustainable funding to provide students all of backgrounds, abilities, and experiences the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

State of Special Education: Recording and Full Text

New: Family and Parent Engagement Resources

Developed by the Arizona Department of Education's Equitable and Inclusive Practices Advisory Council, the Family Engagement Amid COVID-19 was created to help you find information and resources related to the following topics:

• Building Relationships and Strong Communication with Families
• Culturally Responsive Engagement
• Systems of Support
• Funding and Policy
• Trauma and Resilience

Family Engagement Amid COVID-19

New: Arizona Parent & Caretaker Toolkit for Distance Learning

The Arizona Department of Education's Technology Task Force produced a Parent & Caretaker Toolkit for Distance Learning. This toolkit includes questions that parents and caretakers can consider asking their child's teacher or principal, resources for supporting at-home learning, and resources to support a student's social and emotional health.

Parent and Caregiver Toolkit for Distance Learning

Resources and Update from OIE Partners and Stakeholders

Apply to Girls Who Code’s free 2-week Virtual Summer Immersion Program

Current 9th -11th-grade girls and non-binary students are eligible to apply. The early application deadline is approaching quickly on February 17th! We strongly encourage students from underrepresented groups in tech to apply early, including Black, Latinx, and students from low-income backgrounds.

Why should you join Girls Who Code this summer?

• Learn how to use HTML, CSS, and Javascript coding skills to make an impact on what matters to you. Not a coder yet? No problem!
• Join a sisterhood of supportive peers and make lifelong friendships!
• Meet women in tech from top corporations like Disney, AT&T, Twitter & more.
• You can join for free! Plus, Girls Who Code will provide need-based tech support for those who qualify.

Join a webinar, check out this flyer and the FAQ page for more information.