From the Executive Director – November 2022
In my first year as Executive Director at ASAH, I have learned so much about the work our schools do, and the ways in which you change lives. With every school visit I make I am more in awe of your energy; it shows in your compassion, innovation and commitment to excellence. Together with our board and committees, Susan, Donna, and our consultants, I am working to bring that same energy to ASAH!
Of Interest: In the News
Common Ground Interviews ASAH About Special Education Funding - A recent feature article at njcommonground.org includes an interview with ASAH Executive Director John J. Mulholland, Jr., Esq. It is a comprehensive, in-depth article describing how special education is funded. NJ Spotlight Covers the Teacher Shortage. Did you know: The median salary for New Jersey teachers was $72,931 during the 2020-2021 school year. NJDOE Releases 2022 Taxpayers’ Guide.
Celebrate Commencement
It is important that we take time to celebrate not only the achievements of our students, but our own successes as well. The past two years have been exceptionally hard on all of us.
2021 Lame Duck Legislative Wrap-Up – Signed
ASAH wrap up of special education and disability-related legislation signed by the Governor in the final days of the 2021 session. Includes the following bills: A5296/ S3426 (Speight, Vainieri Huttle, McKnight / T. Kean, Schepisi); A-5294/S-3418 (Speight, Vainieri Huttle, Verrelli/Gopal, Madden); S-4211/A-6228 (Sweeney, Corrado/Benson, Speight, Zwicker); and more.
UPDATED-SUCCESS: Additional Special Education Services Due to COVID and Additional Extraordinary Aid Funds
Governor Murphy and New Jersey lawmakers need to hear from parents about the need to advance TWO important provisions that change the landscape of special education. Your action is VITAL and URGENT.
IDEA is Now 45 Years Old. Did You Know…
IDEA IS NOW 45 YEAR OLD! Nationally, 7,539,553 infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities from birth through age 21 were served under IDEA. That accounts for 9.5% of all students, up from 8.5% in 2009. More facts...
CDC Issues Operational Strategy for K-12 Reopening
The CDC has underscored the need for schools to open and has issued new guidance. "To enable schools to open safely and remain open, it is important to adopt and consistently implement actions to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2 both in schools and in the community.”
ASAH Takes a Stand On Non-Attorney Advocates
ASAH joined scores of New Jersey and national parent advocacy organizations in its strong support of the vital role of non-attorney advocates in special education matters.
New Jersey Welcomes a New Commissioner
Angelica Allen-McMillian, Ed.D. has been appointed acting Commissioner of NJDOE. A parent of three, she has also served on the Montclair Board of Education, where she focused her expertise in the area of special education.
Budget Victory: $25 Million in Extraordinary Costs
A strong advocate for children with disabilities, Senator Sweeney has been supportive of changes to funding that would direct more resources to school districts as they work to serve students with severe and complex disabilities whose costs are considered to be “Extraordinary.”
