A student with special needs connects with educational assistant Theresa Bennett over a video call through a new virtual program called RISE at Home. CNS Photo/courtesy of the Learning Disabilities Society via Canadian Catholic News

No two homes are the same, Catholic educators told BC Catholic, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

“What was happening within the school building can’t and shouldn’t be replicated in this new remote learning environment,” said Sandra Marshall, associate superintendent of Catholic Independent Schools of the Vancouver Archdiocese. “It doesn’t work.” Instead, she suggests a personalized approach during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Antonella MacGillivray, a learning support teacher at Star of the Sea School in Surrey, British Columbia, said parents tend to put too much pressure on themselves.

“We are aware that everyone’s situation is totally different and it’s going to look different for their child,” she said, and that’s OK. “I think parents are worried their kid only did one assignment and there’s five. I want them to stay healthy and not worry about that. Know they can reach out to us teachers. We’re here to help.”

School systems are offering resources and workshops for teachers and educational assistants. Groups such as the Learning Disabilities Society are hosting resources and workshops for parents. Educators suggest parents contact the local schools for support.

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