Children don’t come with how-to manuals. Even if they did, they would all require a manual of their own, tailored to their unique make and model. That’s why caregiving can be rewarding, as well as puzzling and demanding – particularly for family caregivers of children with disabilities. Although these caregivers often report that the role gives them a sense of purpose, it usually comes with physical, emotional and financial strains. COVID-19 has added major hurdles to accessing, delivering and evaluating special education services.

Beginning in Fall 2021, UConn’s Neag School of Education will be offering a new program in American Sign Language (ASL) education. Recently approved by the Connecticut Board of Education, the program is designed to prepare aspiring educators interested in becoming teachers of ASL. UConn became the first higher education institution in the state to offer a four-year bachelor’s degree in ASL when the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences introduced an ASL major earlier this year. This new world language ASL education program will likewise be the first of its kind in the state of Connecticut.

Vincent Rogers of Storrs, Connecticut, a longtime educator and faculty emeritus at the Neag School of Education, died Thursday, Dec. 3, at age 93. He died at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Sandra Chafouleas, a professor in the Neag School of Education at UConn, said that families should come up with a plan and schedule, including time away from all devices.

Today, we join the world in marking International Human Rights Day. Throughout this year, communities near and far have faced some of the most significant human rights challenges since the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

“Students need more support to adjust to these new times,” said Clewiston Challenger, an assistant professor at UConn’s Neag School of Education. “So school counselors, by themselves, are doing more checking on students for mental health and wellness, providing more support and making sure they’re coming to school in a virtual setting, which then leaves college exploration to be also in the background and not a top priority, which is unfortunate.”

“Distance learning with elementary students is an entirely different experience from working with them in-person,” says Kimy Velasquez, a Neag School education student. “Everything I imagined my internship to me is different from what I expected. Despite this, there are still opportunities to learn and grow as an upcoming teacher in this new environment.”

In her last message to students and families filling them in on the latest coronavirus cases and news, now-former interim schools superintendent JeanAnn Paddyfoote at once said goodbye, and welcomed Madison’s new schools chief Dr. Craig Cooke. Monday was his first day on the job.

Joseph Renzulli, a professor of educational psychology at the University of Connecticut, explains the concept of ability versus familiarity in another way: assessment of learning versus assessment for learning.

“Online learning must ensure the quality and equity of student learning,” says Jia Cai, a first-year student in the Neag School of Education’s Higher Education and Students Affairs master’s program. “Classes cannot be taught in a way that fits solely the institution’s convenience and preferences. Do not let the inequity that already exists in our higher-education system continue to haunt students with disadvantages in an online environment.”