The only dreams impossible to reach are the ones you never pursue.
Michael Deckman
Reauthorization of the Autism CARES Act of 2024 (H.R. 7213)
On 12/23/2024 President Biden signed the Autism CARES Act into law. Public Law 118-180 aims to improve surveillance, research, and training focused on people with autism and some other types of developmental disabilities. Read more about the Legislative history of the Act and the efforts of the Federal Autism Advisory Committee at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Interagency Autism Coordination Committee
January 20 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
In January we celebrate the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the civil rights movement, past and present. January provides an opportunity for reflection and for visioning. As we approach January 20th, let’s honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy by fixing our gaze on a vision for just and inclusive schools.
January is National Mentoring Month
Did you know that youth who can identify at least one trusting adult has better outcomes? Young people who have a trusting adult in their life are more likely to have positive school outcomes. In January we consider the ways in which mentors can provide New Jersey children and youth with social support and encouragement. Explore these resources to learn more:
The U.S. Department of Education issued new guidance encouraging states, districts, and schools to develop policy that guides personal device use in schools. Planning Together: A Playbook for Student Personal Device Policies is published through the Office of Educational Technology and reflects the White House fact sheet on Youth Mental Health, Safety, and Privacy Online published in May 2023 and the accompanying U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health
Annually, New Jersey schools serve more than 8,000 students of military connected families. Check out the new NJ DOE website page dedicated to resources for military connected families with students receiving special education services, including the new guidance document ‘Guidance for Military Connected Families with Students in Special Education’.
Using Functional Behavioral Assessments to Create Supportive Learning Environments. Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) and the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) (Released November 2024)
Equal Access to Elementary and Secondary Education for Students Who are English Learners with Disabilities. Office of Civil Rights (Released November 2024)
NJ PBSIS Peer to Peer Resource Sharing
Thank you to Clifton Public Schools and Thomas Richards Early Childhood Center for sharing your innovations with us!
2024-2025 Conferences Posted
Looking to attend a conference this school year? Visit the upcoming events page for MTSS related conferences happening in New Jersey and across the country this school year.