Educators receive the Innovations in Special Education Awards.
WEST ORANGE -- West Orange High School educators Debra Coen and Jodie Goldstein have been honored by the New Jersey School Boards Association for a program they adapted for the school's special needs students.
Each year, the NJSBA and the ASAH, a nonprofit organization serving the special education community, presents the Innovations in Special Education Awards to recognize the "best practices in public school districts and private special education schools."
Coen and Goldstein received the award for their "Introduction to Integrative iSTEM Program," a program they modified from the school's general education curriculum to provide special needs students with access to elective courses that help them explore potential careers. West Orange Schools implemented the program during the 2014-2015 school year.
"There were 48 applications from around the state for this recognition, and we were one of 10 selected," said Coen.
The program was featured on a segment of "Classroom Close-Up" in February.
Also honored were Chapel Hill Academy, Lincoln Park; Carteret Middle School; Irvington High School; Benedict A. Cucinella Elementary School, Washington Township, Morris County; Dumont High School; Point Pleasant Borough High School; The Matheny School, Peapack; The Bridge Academy, Lawrenceville; and P.G. Chambers School, Cedar Knolls.
To submit school news send an email to essex@starledger.com.