Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Issue 8: Deccember 2023
.jpg)
Gargi Adhikari
Special Education Teacher
Holland Brook School
Readington Township School District
“Disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to participate in or contribute to society. Improving educational results for children with disabilities is an essential element of our national policy of ensuring equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities.” —US Department of Education
I am Gargi Adhikari, 2023-2024 Hunterdon County Teacher of the Year. I teach a fourth-grade full-inclusion classroom at Holland Brook School in the Readington Township School District, where I have been employed for 22 years. In recognition of National Special Education Day, I would like to recognize the tremendous impact our Special Educators have had on our children with disabilities.
Special Education Day, celebrated on December 2, honors the milestones that have been achieved for special education and reminds us of all the progress that is yet to be achieved. This day commemorates our nation's first federal special education law—the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)— signed by President Ford on December 2, 1975.
We must continue to be fierce advocates of equitable education, committed to giving all students the best opportunity to learn, grow, and improve. We should empower them to be their best selves and let them know that they are capable. We need to promote culturally inclusive classrooms by providing an effective and safe learning environment that connects with our students’ prior knowledge and backgrounds.
Recognizing diversity and connecting with families, listening to their stories, and forming a strong connection are the first steps towards fostering student success—academic, social, and emotional. When we recognize diversity, students with disabilities have a seat at the table. When they are included, when they have a voice that is heard, they become empowered and develop a sense of belonging. This is something to think about as we embrace diversity in our classrooms.
As we differentiate our instruction, we should keep in mind that sometimes the best scaffolds are the ones that we wait to provide. We should look to our students for advice and input; they have a lot of meaningful ideas that they are willing to share.
Having a sense of passion gives us a sense of purpose. To enhance that sense of purpose, we must encourage our colleagues to find opportunities outside of our comfort zone—our classrooms. Attending conferences, networking, sharing what we know, and bringing back the excitement to our students and colleagues are key to growing as educators. We will not know what opportunities await unless we venture out.
Thank you for your dedication to this profession and for being the voice of many children with or without exceptionalities. Thank you for improving the learning for all students. Hope you will mark this day and celebrate in your schools and community. Happy Special Education Day!
Featured NJDOE Office of the Month— Office of Special Education
The Office of Special Education has a responsibility, under federal statute and regulations, to operate a system of general supervision that monitors the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) by local education agencies (LEAs) to support more than 240,000 New Jersey students with disabilities. This system enforces the requirements and helps to ensure continuous improvement.
The office supports the mission of the New Jersey Department of Education by:
- providing leadership in establishing standards which promote improved outcomes for students with disabilities; and
- ensuring consistency in the procedures that public agencies implement for meeting compliance with state and federal regulations.
Resources for Stakeholders
The office provides professional development, technical assistance, coaching, and resources to educators, families and other stakeholders across the state to improve outcomes for students with disabilities, ages three through 21. The office oversees four Learning Resource Centers (LRCs) strategically placed across the state. The LRCs provide materials, technical assistance, consultation regarding policies, laws and regulations and best practices in special education to educational professionals and families of students with disabilities.
Partnerships for Professional Learning
The office is engaged in partnerships with state universities and organizations offering school-based professional learning opportunities with a focus on those practices that promote:
- self-advocacy;
- preparation for postsecondary education and competitive employment; and
- and inclusion of students with disabilities in all school and community environments.
State Systemic Improvement Plan
The office contributes to the development and analysis of the State Systemic Improvement Plan/Annual Performance Report and produces the State Systemic Improvement Plan—required IDEA—to measure student outcomes and focus states’ efforts on areas of need. Office staff work with colleagues across the New Jersey Department of Education to ensure the inclusion of students with disabilities in all of our initiatives.
Mission
Providing educators, families and other stakeholders with the technical assistance, professional learning in evidence-based practices, and access to instructional materials and resources necessary for students with IEPs to achieve the goals established for all New Jersey students.
Vision
To empower all educators, families and other stakeholders with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to ensure that individuals with IEPs graduate into competitive, integrated employment, postsecondary education, and active community involvement.
Contact Us
Office of Special Education: OSEinfo@doe.nj.gov