Title of article: Supporting Special Education Students in Virtual Learning: Strategies for Engagement and Academic Success
Topic: The topic of my article centers on the impact of virtual learning on special education students. It explores how online learning environments influence student engagement, academic performance, and access to instructional strategies that support success. With the recent passage of legislation allowing school districts to operate virtual schools, this article examines both the benefits and challenges that have emerged for students with disabilities. By focusing on the unique needs of these learners, the article seeks to provide insight into how virtual learning shapes outcomes and what practices are most effective in supporting their success.
Where I plan to submit my article:
Connection to my initiative: My previous initiative, Bear Camp, and my current focus on special education students in virtual school are connected through the shared goal of improving academic outcomes. Bear Camp targeted STAAR performance for all students by providing accelerated instruction and focused review. Similarly, my work with special education students in virtual school aims to support learning, engagement, and achievement, though now with a focus on meeting the unique needs of students with disabilities. Both initiatives emphasize the importance of tailored instruction, targeted interventions, and strategies that help students succeed academically, showing a consistent commitment to enhancing student outcomes regardless of the learning environment.
How this information will help others: The information in my article can help other educators, administrators, and policymakers better understand the unique challenges that special education students face in both virtual and traditional learning environments. By highlighting effective strategies, supports, and interventions, it provides guidance on how to improve student engagement and academic performance. Other educators can use these insights to design more inclusive classrooms, adapt instructional methods, and implement targeted programs—like accelerated learning camps or technology-supported interventions—that support all learners. Ultimately, my article can serve as a resource for those looking to create equitable learning opportunities and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
Lessons learned or hoped to learn: From my research and work on this article, I have learned that virtual learning presents both challenges and opportunities for special education students. I have seen how critical engagement, individualized support, and effective instructional strategies are for student success. I hope to learn even more about which specific practices and interventions are most effective in helping these students succeed academically, whether in virtual settings, traditional classrooms, or programs like my accelerated academic camp. Ultimately, I hope this knowledge will help me refine my teaching and leadership practices to better support all learners and improve their academic outcomes.
Digital resources that will be included in my article: In my article, I will highlight a variety of digital resources that can support special education students and enhance learning outcomes. These resources include online learning platforms, interactive tools, and technology-supported interventions that promote engagement, individualized instruction, and academic growth.
- Edgenuity – An online learning platform that offers personalized learning paths and support for students with disabilities.
- Khan Academy – Free instructional videos and practice exercises that can be tailored to students’ individual needs.
- Nearpod – An interactive platform for engaging lessons, formative assessments, and real-time feedback.
- Google Classroom – A hub for assignments, resources, and communication that helps organize learning for all students.
- Read&Write – A literacy support tool that provides text-to-speech, vocabulary assistance, and annotation features for students with learning challenges.
- Wayground (Quizizz) and Kahoot! – Game-based learning tools that increase engagement and allow teachers to monitor progress in real time.
- FlexPoint Education Cloud – A comprehensive digital learning platform offering over 200 customizable PreK–12 courses. Developed by Florida Virtual School, FlexPoint provides interactive and engaging content designed to support diverse student needs, including those in special education.
Think of your audience, digital presence, and the message you hope to communicate: My audience includes educators, administrators, and other stakeholders invested in improving learning outcomes for students with disabilities. Through my digital presence—whether in an article, online platform, or social media—I hope to communicate practical strategies, effective tools, and evidence-based insights that can be applied to support engagement, individualized instruction, and academic success in both virtual and traditional learning environments. My goal is to provide actionable information that inspires and empowers others to create equitable, inclusive, and effective learning experiences for all students.
References:
- Association for Computing Machinery. (n.d.). Write for us. eLearn Magazine. Retrieved August 31, 2025, from https://elearnmag.acm.org/write-for-us.cfm
- Edutopia. (2024, March 20). Your turn: Write for us. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/about/your-turn-write-us
Candace V Johnson 
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