Rutgers CESP receives $1.2 million grant for statewide inclusive education project

Rutgers University’s Center for Effective School Practices (CESP) has received a $1.2 million grant from the New Jersey Department of Education to fund The BRIDGE Initiative, a project aimed at improving inclusive education through enhanced family engagement across the state.

The initiative seeks to address ongoing challenges in engaging parents and caregivers in the education of children with disabilities, despite progress in curriculum and educational practices in New Jersey. Research indicates that when parents and caregivers are meaningfully involved, students show better academic performance, improved behavior, and greater success with inclusion efforts.

Through the grant, CESP plans to develop and expand resources focused on parent and caregiver engagement. These resources will be tailored to meet the needs of students, school districts, families, and teachers. The goal is to ensure that all materials provided are both accessible and practical for use. The BRIDGE Initiative will leverage evidence-based methods along with CESP’s longstanding experience in technical assistance and professional learning to drive sustained improvements by offering support to both parents and educators.

Additionally, The BRIDGE Initiative will partner with schools to strengthen literacy instruction and work towards increasing the number of effective Special Education Parent Advisory Groups (SEPAGs) operating throughout New Jersey.

“This initiative represents a crucial step forward in building meaningful partnerships between schools and families,” said Vivian Allen, the associate director of Rutgers CESP. “By focusing on inclusive practices and family engagement, we can create stronger educational outcomes for all students with disabilities.”

More information about Rutgers CESP’s work on inclusive education can be found at cesp.rutgers.edu.