A Survey of Educators Serving Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders During the Covid-19 Pandemic

In this descriptive study, we analyzed survey data regarding communication, instruction, and assessment strategies school personnel in K-12 settings reported using during the COVID-19 pandemic for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). Results indicate, whether instructional continuity was mandated or not, support personnel serving students with EBD reported using a variety of communication, instruction, and assessment strategies. Several strategies special educators reported using were significantly different than those provided by related service providers (e.g., school psychologist, counselor) during school site closures. Implications for future planning, policy, and research are discussed.

Automated summary

This descriptive study analyzed survey data on communication, instruction, and assessment strategies used by school personnel in K-12 settings during the COVID-19 pandemic for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Results show that support personnel serving students with EBD used a variety of strategies, with special educators using significantly different strategies compared to related service providers. Implications for future planning, policy, and research are discussed.