By: Florida Virtual School Exceptional Student Education Team

Navigating online education may initially seem daunting for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). However, at Florida Virtual School (FLVS), our Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teams are dedicated to helping students and families navigate the process and find personalized learning and academic success. 

Whether enrolled in FLVS Full Time Public Schools or individual courses (FLVS Flex), FLVS has ESE teams that work with families to ensure the best possible outcomes for their children. 

In recognition of Disability History and Awareness Weeks throughout October, FLVS has compiled a list of eight essential tips for students with IEPs to thrive in the online learning environment:

Tip 1: Leverage the flexibility of online learning

One of the biggest advantages of online learning with FLVS is its flexibility. This allows students with IEPs to work at their own pace, which can help reduce anxiety and frustration. Students can also schedule their coursework focus time based on their peak concentration times. 

Parents, is your child a morning person? A night owl? Online learning offers the flexibility to complete assignments when your child is most productive.  

Tip 2: Communicate with teachers regularly

FLVS has supportive, state-certified teachers dedicated to helping students succeed. They can communicate with students through live lessons, phone calls, emails, online chats, instant messaging, discussion boards, texting, or video calls. Whatever method works best for the student.

Students and families are encouraged to contact teachers for help or additional support. As part of the individual courses (FLVS Flex) option, ESE specialists work collaboratively with teachers and Instructional Leaders (principals) to accommodate assistance with learning tasks when needed.

Tip 3: Create a structured routine

Students with IEPs often benefit from a structured routine. While online learning allows for flexibility, it is important that students maintain a daily schedule that includes dedicated learning times, physical and mental breaks throughout the day, and time for extracurricular activities. Having a predictable routine helps students with IEPs remain focused, which can reduce stress.   

Tip 4: Join an FLVS club

Did you know that FLVS offers more than 80 online clubs and activities? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, extracurricular activities can help students develop social skills, boost self-esteem and resilience, and discover their interests. FLVS offers clubs for all types of interests, from academic clubs to athletic groups, to special interests clubs like cooking, journalism, and art

Recently, our eSports Video Game club got together face-to-face to build camaraderie, play games, and celebrate their team’s competition wins. Check out this video of their meet-up. FLVS clubs can be an incredibly supportive environment for students to interact and engage with other students with similar interests. 

Tip 5: Create a quiet setting 

For students doing their online learning at home, it’s important to create a workspace that is quiet and free from distractions. Whether it's a dedicated, quiet area of the house or a room specially designed for studying, make sure it is comfortable and can provide a distraction-free environment. Many students can also benefit from noise-canceling headphones or white noise machines if needed. 

Tip 6: Break up assignments into manageable chunks

Online learning allows students to break up assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks if they struggle with focus or feel overwhelmed. By working in smaller increments and breaking up study time into short, timed intervals, students often find it improves their focus and also boosts their confidence as they complete tasks throughout the day. 

FLVS offers pace charts for all courses, which show the assignments due each week based on the estimated time required to complete each assignment. Students often find it beneficial to print them out and cross off assignments as they finish them to see their progress throughout the course visually. 

Tip 7: Monitor progress and stay involved

While online learning can help students develop time management skills as well as self-discipline and ownership over their learning, it is critical parents are still actively involved in supporting and monitoring their child’s progress. Families who help their children stay organized and on task can address issues or concerns early on, mitigating any learning gaps.

Tip 8: Stay positive

Finally, remember to stay positive. Online learning can be an adjustment for students with IEPs, but maintaining a positive attitude can make all the difference. Celebrate small wins and practice patience as you adapt to this new learning environment.

Visit the FLVS Full Time ESE or individual courses (FLVS Flex) ESE webpages for more information on Florida Virtual School and its ESE programs. Students with disabilities or impairments enrolled in individual courses (FLVS Flex) must work with their district of enrollment to request any necessary ESE services, related services, evaluations, annual reviews, re-evaluations, and initial eligibility determinations. 

For families interested in FLVS Full Time Public Schools, enrollment applications open on Nov. 4 for the second semester. Students with a disability or impairment must indicate those in the appropriate sections on the application and attach a copy of the most current IEP.