New Jersey Department of Education

Office of Special Education

The Summer Learning Institute

June-August 2023

What is the Summer Learning Institute?

The New Jersey Partnership for Student Success (NJPSS) is a statewide three-year effort focused on supporting students, families, and educators with the goal of realizing academic gains, increasing graduation rates, reducing chronic absenteeism and improving student well-being and mental health.

To support this initiative, the New Jersey Department of Education's (NJDOE) Office of Special Education will be hosting a summer learning institute through the Learning Resource Centers (LRC) to empower educators with the knowledge and support to meet the needs of our diverse learners.

What is offered as part of the Summer Learning Institute?

Professional Development

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.

Office Hours

Special Education Specialists are available to provide real-time technical assistance to educators, families and district administrators. Visit the website to access the office hours schedule.

Expansion Techniques in American Sign Language (July 11th, 9AM-3:30PM)

Connecting the Dots with Cohesive Devices in American Sign Language (July 12th, 9AM-3:30PM)

Enhancing Age-Appropriate Transition Assessment with Person-Centered Approaches (July 17th, 9AM-12PM)

Universal Design for Learning (July 18th, 9-10:30AM)

The Collaborative Speech Language Pathologist (July 19th, 9AM-12PM)

Matching Students to Employment Sites to Improve Work-Based Learning Experience for Students with Disabilities (July 20th, 9AM-12PM)

Measurable Post-Secondary Goals for Students with Mental Health Needs (August 1st, 9AM-12PM)

Tips and Tricks for the Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing (August 10th, 9AM-12PM)

Utilizing the Inclusive Classroom Profile (ICP) in the Preschool Classroom, Virtual Only (August 10th, 9AM-12PM)

Best Practices for Speech and Language- Evaluations for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (August 15th, 9AM-12PM)

Educational Evaluations for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (August 17th, 9AM-12PM)

*Workshops listed are a preview of scheduled events. Visit NJDOE's Office of Special Education's link for full list of offerings

"Hopes and Dreams"

Workshop 3 from Self-Advocacy: “Don’t Forget About Me!” Series. 

Transition-aged deafblind students and their families will explore interests, strengths and preferences of each young adult. Activities will help identify likes and dislikes to be included in the IEP and for future planning purposes in the postsecondary world. 

"Transition Planning: An Advocate’s Perspective"

Workshop 4 from Self-Advocacy: “Don’t Forget About Me!” Series

What are the common struggles families face during transition planning? How can families address these challenges? Families of transition-aged deafblind students will explore common challenges and potential solutions to these challenges when coordinating services and supports for their child.  

"Who am I? Having an Active Role in Planning"

Workshop 1 from Self-Advocacy: “Don’t Forget About Me!” Series. 

Transition-aged deafblind students will explore who they are as an individual and their accessibility needs as an individual with a disability. At the end of this workshop, students will be able to actively participate in educational and transition planning meetings, such as an IEP.

"The Dream Team: Creating, Building and Using My Support Team"

Workshop 2 from Self-Advocacy: “Don’t Forget About Me!” Series

Transition-aged deafblind students and their families will explore how to create and build a support team that follows them through high school and into post-secondary life. Being able to use and adjust a support team is an integral part of transition planning for young adults. 

For Families

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For Professionals

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