A+ Ideas, Programs, and Practices

East Brunswick Vo-Tech is working to reduce its environmental impact, improve the health and wellness of its students and staff, and include sustainability in its curriculum. In recognition of its commitment to going “green,” the high school, one of the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools, has been named a New Jersey Green Ribbon School. … Continued

The WE Connect program offers an alternative for students for whom the regular education program no longer creates an environment that is conducive to learning. The main focus is to improve student attendance, meet high levels of curriculum standards and achievement, and provide individualized programs that help each student succeed. WE Connect provides students with … Continued

The Workshop Training Program gives students with disabilities the chance to become immersed in everyday community-based experiences, and learn both “hard” and “soft” skills as they transition into the workplace and life. Fifth-, sixth- and seventh-year students are interns, placed in one of a variety of employment partnerships at sites such as large retail stores, … Continued

At Whippany Park High School, a vegetable and flower garden is the setting for this award-winning program in which students in grades 9-12 with multiple disabilities learn fine and gross motor skills, and a variety of subjects, by working in a garden. Students use information on seed packets to predict when a seed will germinate, … Continued

Young people with disabilities often struggle to find an appropriate social group, either because their needs are too significant or the group is too advanced to meet these needs. The Teen Advocacy Group (T.A.G.) program provides a social group that is fun, while using innovative teaching techniques to enhance social and community-based skills. T.A.G. meetings … Continued

Students with emotional challenges enrolled in R.A.P. receive support as they begin their school day, to assist with their transition into school. Students work daily with a special education teacher and school psychologist/board-certified behavior analyst. The students are provided therapeutic support and skills instruction during first period before starting their academics for the day. At … Continued

The purpose of Project R.E.A.C.H., (Research, Educate, Act, Create, Help) is to assist students in developing confidence in their own abilities to serve as a positive force in their communities, and to promote pro-social interactions with humans and animals alike. Special needs students learn about responsible pet ownership, ways to help animals in the community, … Continued

The M.A.P.S. program serves high-school age children who have motivational issues, emotional needs or behaviors that prevent them from being successful. By integrating iPad technology into the classroom, the program enables students to receive a rigorous education and a high school diploma without having to leave the school community through an out-of-district placement. Recognized by … Continued

The Holland Township School’s Life Skills Program includes four components: A kids café, a school store, a recycling student team, and “the buddy bench.” In the kids café, students learn how to cook simple, nutritious recipes which encourages independence, allowing  them to become more self-sufficient. Students learn how to run a business from filling food … Continued

Paramus Public School’s Life Skills Education Achievement Program (L.E.A.P.) is innovative in its small business concept units and its aspirations to improve and develop meaningful education experiences for students with multiple abilities. Students in the L.E.A.P. program have created a number of small businesses in order to develop real world, daily-living and job skills. Examples … Continued