Inclusive Education
Our project is a three-pronged effort to support the development of more inclusive schools where all students—with and without disabilities—are able to learn, contribute and belong.
The New Jersey Inclusive Education Technical
Assistance Project
The NJIETA project is a collaborative effort between the New Jersey Department of Education Office of Special Education (OSE), the Montclair State University Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health (CAECMH), and the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE). NJIETA is designed for the collaborators to partner with public, charter, and vocational schools to provide Technical Assistance and Systemic Change Facilitation to develop more inclusive educational opportunities. NJIETA will also work to develop a statewide vision for more inclusive schools through the Inclusion Leadership Development Group.
Our Mission
To support, facilitate, and enhance current NJDOE initiatives of New Jersey Tiered Systems of Supports (NJTSS) and Positive Behavioral Supports in Schools (PBSIS), which aim to develop, expand, and improve inclusive education practices within New Jersey public schools.
Building sustainable inclusive schools through:
Leadership
Collaboration
Equity
Empowerment
Relationships
The Challenge
Together, NJCIE and CAECMH have provided services to over 400 school districts and 100 other educational organizations over the last 15 years. We partner with districts, provide on-site consultation to their schools, and assist them with implementing practices and policies that support all students.
Through this five-year project, NJIETA will work throughout the state to provide Technical Assistance and Systemic Change Facilitation to support Pre-K – 12 public schools in New Jersey. We’re talking about:
1.85+ million students
Over 1.28 million students in New Jersey attend public school. About 57,486 students in New Jersey attend a charter school.
Source: New Jersey Department of Education (2020-2021).
227,000+ students classified for special education
227,963 students ages 3-21 are classified as having a disability in New Jersey.
Source: New Jersey Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs 2020 Statewide Classification Rate, Ages 3–21 (Districts and Charter Schools) As of October 15, 2020.
650+ operating school districts
There are 686 public, charter, and vocational school districts in the state of New Jersey.
Source: New Jersey Department of Education (2020-2021).
Project Offerings
NJIETA was established to promote and support the development of inclusive schools and inclusive practices. We aim to provide support through professional development, coaching, and consultation on inclusive education topics and practices to school districts across the state.
Inclusion Leadership
Development Group
Two distinct parts: Quarterly Task Force meetings and two Inclusion Leadership Conferences which are held in the spring and early summer. A series of meetings will be held annually to provide training and information on best practices in inclusive education for administrators.
Technical Assistance to Schools on Inclusive Education
Through a technical assistance package, a member of our team will provide five sessions of on-site support. The goal of this onsite support is to assist schools with the implementation, further development, and support of inclusive practices.
Systemic Change Facilitation
A three-to-five-year commitment to becoming a more inclusive school. Our team members will provide on and off-site support through strategic planning meetings, training, coaching, and consultation. Each school will develop or utilize an existing team that will drive the implementation of best practices in inclusion.
