Special Education student thrives with virtual learning

RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – It’s National Special Education Day, and while the school year has been difficult for most families, those with children in special education have had a unique experience.

Many families rely on independent education programs to ensure their child is reaching their highest potential, but with the coronavirus pandemic comes changes. While students with IEPs can still take advantage of that service, things are different. Melodie Cole says it took some getting used to, but her son is thriving with virtual learning.

“They still get to talk to a special education teacher,” said Cole, whose son is in 4th grade at Marsh Fork Elementary School. “As far as his teacher, he has been absolutely amazing. Any question I’ve had, it is answered. He’s meeting all of his goals and it seems like he’s keeping up with all of his goals he’s already reached.”

Cole says her son will sometimes get distracted if the family dog walks into the room, but he’s handling the change well.

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Kassie Simmons
Kassie Simmons joined the team in January 2019 as a weekend journalist. She graduated from Virginia Tech in just two and a half years with a BA in multimedia journalism. During her short time at Virginia Tech, she served as the editor for the university’s chapter of The Tab. Kassie was named the top reporter for The Tab at Virginia Tech on multiple occasions and made the list for the top 30 reporters for The Tab in the U.S. She also studied theater performance and minored in creative writing. Before coming to WOAY, Kassie interned at WSLS in Roanoke and the Tidewater Review in her hometown of West Point, Va. She has loved following breaking news since her childhood and has a passion for delivering the stories people care most about. Kassie is excited to be working in Southern West Virginia and looks forward to all the adventures ahead of her. You can follow her on Twitter at @KassieLSimmons and like her page on Facebook. If you have a story you think she should check out, send her an email at ksimmons@woay.com.