NJSBA Announces ‘Innovations in Special Education’ Award Winners

The New Jersey School Boards Association will honor three innovative special education programs during Special Education Week, May 10-16, 2026.

Since 2002, as part of its celebration of Special Education Week, the New Jersey School Boards Association and the New Jersey Association of Special Education Partner Schools (NJASEPS) (formerly ASAH) have sponsored an “Innovations in Special Education” award program that has drawn wide interest from the state’s special education community. For this year’s awards program, public and private schools from across New Jersey submitted 17 eligible entries.

The NJSBA and NJASEPS will recognize the programs designated for honors during a video presentation held in conjunction with Special Education Week.

During the broadcast, NJSBA and NJASEPS leadership will recognize the following programs:

Celebrate the Children School

Parent Partnering Program

The Parent Partnering Program strengthens the connection between school and home. Oftentimes, parents express or experience difficulty connecting with their child and often find themselves putting on the “therapist or teacher” hat, rather than having fun and connecting as a mom or dad. Through play and by focusing on the child’s strengths and passions, parents and family members can find the joy and support for developmental progression. To assist families in this process, a range of training and partnering opportunities are made available, including in-person coaching, virtual sessions, sibling sessions and group trainings. Parents also come into the school setting to engage in a play session with a staff member. Developmental goals are tied to these sessions and offer a positive environment with support for the families. These experiences provide practical tools and guidance so that families feel confident and empowered in supporting their child’s developmental journey.

Linden Public School District, School #2

Sensory Night

Sensory Night provides an accessible, welcoming and family-friendly event for

students with sensory sensitivities. The night features a variety of stations with hands-on, movement-based, calming and interactive activities. The environment is carefully planned with adjusted lighting, controlled sound, visual supports and trained staff so students can participate comfortably. One of the main goals is to give students who often can’t attend large community events a chance to engage in a low-stimulation, structured setting where they can explore and succeed. Equally important is the focus on families: the event encourages parents and caregivers to participate alongside their children, connect with staff and build relationships with community partners. Over the years, the school has partnered with therapy dog organizations, local restaurants and other vendors to expand the experience, giving both students and families meaningful ways to engage. Sensory Night is about more than activities — it’s about creating opportunities for connection, participation and inclusion for every student and their family.

Windsor Bergen Academy

RISE

The RISE program is dedicated to providing a high-quality early childhood education that supports the development of the whole child while placing each student on a clear trajectory toward long-term school success. The program serves young learners, often as early as ages 4, 5, or 6, who have already experienced patterns of academic frustration, rejection, or failure at a time when school should feel safe and joyful. For many students, RISE is the place where they first feel successful. The program is born from the belief that school at this age should be filled with joy, fun, connection and a sense of belonging. Through warmth, nurturing relationships and behaviorally specific praise, students rebuild confidence and begin to see themselves as capable learners. This emotional foundation is paired with the structure and consistency young children need to thrive. Through predictable routines, positive reinforcement and carefully designed instruction, students develop both the academic and social-emotional skills necessary for success. As they begin to trust themselves and others, they also engage more fully in learning and form meaningful peer relationships. At its core, RISE is about changing trajectories so students can return successfully to the general education classroom. Students are met where they are, helped to feel good again and guided toward a future where they can succeed — both in school and in life.

The winning entries will also be recognized by the New Jersey State Special Education Advisory Council during its June 2026 meeting.

For more information on the annual Innovations in Special Education award, contact Ann Marie Smith at amsmith@njsba.org.