Transition from pediatric to adult health care systems presents unique challenges for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder who often have complex medical and mental health needs. Without a coordinated transition plan, pediatric providers often continue to provide care to young adults with autism spectrum disorder beyond the scope of their…

This report is drafted with state leaders and policy makers in mind, including those who work with or support these education leaders. The information shared in this report will likely be most relevant to states that have either not yet considered a new data system on teacher preparation providers, are only now starting to consider the idea, or…

This study examines the effects of Connected Mathematics Project 2 (CMP2) on grade 6 student mathematics achievement and engagement using a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. It responds to a need to improve mathematics learning in the Mid-Atlantic Region (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC). Findings…

The Big Read evaluation included a series of 35 case studies designed to gather more in-depth information on the program's implementation and impact. The case studies gave readers a valuable first-hand look at The Big Read in context. Both formal and informal interviews, focus groups, attendance at a wide range of events--all showed how…

This guide to developing "Activity Days" for gifted children is a product of a New Jersey consortium of eight school districts in Burlington County, New Jersey. Briefly considered are the consortium's philosophy and program rationale. Goals and objectives of the gifted program are specified. The origins of the Activity Day program…

A study was conducted to produce a graphic representation of the needs of the displaced homemaker (single parent and homemaker) population in New Jersey and to identify the services available to them. Data were collected from 28 sites using a mailed survey to program directors and face-to-face interviews with program participants and directors.…

The program description and curriculum for Art Partners, a Cranford, New Jersey, after-school program to meet the needs of artistically talented children in grades 3-6, are provided. The program description includes information on: a suggested sequence of activities for 38 sessions, program organization, the artist-in-residence component, area art…

This study investigated factors impinging upon the successful implementation of reform in New Jersey's special needs or Abbott districts. Surveys of 28 Abbott districts examined the extent to which districts embraced remedial measures in the Supreme Court's rulings; perceived compatibility between remedial measures embodied in the reform and prior…

This report of a survey of eight states which implemented the School to Work Opportunities Act (STWOA) provides information on provisions in the state plans, the extent to which special educators participate in planning and implementation efforts, and how the needs of students with disabilities have been addressed. An overview is provided of the…

In response to the recommendations of the New Jersey Special Education Study Commission and input from parents, educators, and the general public, the New Jersey Department of Education's Division of Special Education developed "A Plan To Revise Special Education in New Jersey" (1986), commonly called P2R. P2R calls for changes in the…

This state plan is New Jersey's response to the charge of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 (the McKinney Act) to assure educational access for homeless children and youth. The introductory section discusses the following issues: (1) the changing face of homelessness; (2) homeless children and youth; (3) the McKinney Act; and…

The Education Law Center (ELC) sought an independent review of special education funding in New Jersey as part of a larger group of studies intended to critique the cost study conducted by Augenblick and Palaich and Associates (APA) and the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) and inform the ongoing public debate. In doing so, ELC recognized…

This report presents the results of a New Jersey school district field test of a comprehensive administrator training program. The program's main objectives were to develop a knowledge-utilization approach to the improvement of instruction and student achievement in basic skills, and to develop and test strategies for installing and disseminating…

To be both fair and effective, student discipline law and policy must balance two separate rights of students: the constitutional right to a public education, and the right to a safe and orderly learning environment. Procedures and laws to protect students from arbitrary and wrongful discipline are necessary, as are procedures and laws to allow…

In 1999-2000, over one-third of all students in the 30 Abbott districts spoke a native language other than English, and more than one-tenth were considered limited English proficient (LEP). The proportions of LEP students varied considerably across the districts, but they comprised between 5% and 29% of total enrollments in 18 of the districts.…