PISCATAWAY — Key issues in special education – including placement decisions, advances in technology and the use of shared services to reduce costs – were recently discussed on “Better Together,” the podcast series produced by the Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission (MRESC).
The podcast featured Cranbury Supervisor of Special Services Sally Bittner; South Brunswick Director of Student Services Raphael Morales; and from MRESC, Assistant Superintendent Gary Molenaar, Academy Learning Center Principal Erik Solberg and David Sandler, the coordinator of Communications and host of the podcast.
Morales pointed out the importance of parent communication when it comes to classifying students for special education services.
“We’re all trying to do what is in the best interest of the students,” Morales said. “Parents have access to all kinds of information about special education through the Internet, which is great; however, each student is different, which is why ongoing communication with parents is essential,” Morales said.
Molenaar said that the MRESC offers a “continuum of services” to provide various kinds of support.
“We offer many services, ranging from helping districts set up a Pre-K program for children with moderate to severe disabilities, to helping a district prepare for state monitoring,” he said.
Solberg, also a longtime trustee with Autism New Jersey, said effective collaboration among districts is a significant factor.
“The cooperation among school districts in New Jersey is terrific. That’s not always the case in some states,” he said.
