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P.O. Box 909 ● Trenton, NJ 08605-0909 ● Phone: 609.695.7600 ● Fax: 609.695.0413 ● Web: www.njsba.org/PI |
NEWS RELEASE
CONTACT: Frank Belluscio (fbelluscio@njsba.org) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Twelve Schools Honored for Innovations in Special Education Trenton, May 14, 2007 - A dozen New Jersey schools were recognized today for creative special education programs in the sixth annual Innovations in Special Education program. The 12 schools received awards during a special event on Monday, May 14 in Princeton, held in conjunction with Special Education Week in New Jersey, May 13-19. The New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) and ASAH Serving the private special education community since 1974 have sponsored Special Education Week since 1985. Honored schools and programs include:
Judges representing NJSBA, ASAH, the New Jersey Department of Education, and The Tarpey Group (a sponsor of the Special Education Week scholarship program) chose the 12 programs from among 62 submitted. They based their selections on innovation, effectiveness, parental or community involvement, and evaluation strategies. The programs demonstrate the solid work being done to educate students with special needs and to prepare them to lead fulfilling and productive lives, said Kevin E. Ciak, NJSBA president. The talent and hard work of our educators and parents is something to celebrate. Gracanne Hinski-Ryan, president of ASAH agreed. I am proud of the creative approaches being used to inspire our children, she said. Schools throughout New Jersey are working with parents and the community to help children with special needs achieve to their fullest potential. New Jerseys public schools and private schools for the disabled serve approximately 235,000 special education students. Innovations in Education 2007 Our Community Alphabet Tour About two dozen second-grade students with multiple language and neurological disabilities select a place in the community which begins with each letter of the alphabet. The program culminates with the children taking a day-long tour of the community, sponsored by the PTA, area businesses and the municipal government. Young Men’s Club When male students began arriving at school wearing bandanas or imitating gang symbols and speech, the staff at Horizon High School took notice. And they created a program to give at-risk students the skills that will help to prevent them from joining gangs. The program also involves police officers talking with students about gang life, a job coach working with the young men, and a school social worker, who helps students deal with the pressure they feel to join a gang. Career Internship Program High school students take part in a series of workstations that simulate various job environments. Students learn skills in areas such as engraving, office experience, catering and food service, and horticulture. They also take part in a student-run business called CIP Enterprises, and many local organizations are customers for products such as engraved awards. Staff members work with local employers, and many students work part-time in the community. SCOOP (Speaking Candidly On Our Perspective) Around the World in 180 Days Middle school students spend the year “traveling” the world. Once a month, they have a daylong adventure in the classroom that involves learning about a particular country’s customs and culture. A favorite part of the program involves sampling a country’s cuisine. The program not only develops an awareness of other cultures, but it also combines exercises that build proficiency in reading, writing, math and social skills.
Inch-by-Inch Garden Project Integrated Arts Program Tournament of Champions The Tournament of Champions, now in its 14th year, provides special-needs preschoolers with a wide array of learning activities. Each year’s program features a new theme, from Disney to the zoo. Families are invited to the event, and middle schoolers in disability classes help with preparations and act as ushers and photographers. The preschoolers’ games, activities and songs are designed to help them meet specific speech, language, and physical therapy goals. Assistance Dog Training Program Fun with Fishing Project Quest Fifteen middle school students in grades six through eight participate in an adventure-based character education challenge that includes games, a challenge course, a five-mile hike around Lake Rutherford, and a 45-foot indoor climbing wall. They learn to be better problem solvers and decision makers, and to enhance their ability to work within a group. They also set personal goals, which can range from improving grades to overcoming fears. Summer is Cool at Greenwich School This program aims to help autistic students enhance their skills through the summer. For five weeks in July and August, students with and without special needs take part in the inclusive program, as they play miniature golf, bowl, and visit the local grocery store to purchase ingredients for hoagies. The program helps students with autism participate in a controlled and supervised situation where they can further develop social skills. ****** The New Jersey School Boards Association, a federation of district boards of education, advocates the interests of school districts, trains local school board members, and provides resources for the advancement of public education.
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