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BRIDGE

Facilitating Collaboration, Coordinated Support, and Systems Learning

Rutgers BRIDGE

Strengthening Family-School Partnerships in Special Education

BRIDGE helps New Jersey schools and families build stronger partnerships to support students with disabilities. A collaboration between the Rutgers University Center for Effective School Practices (RU-CESP) and the New Jersey Department of Education’s Office of Special Education (NJDOE-OSE), BRIDGE works with districts, educators, families, and Special Education Parent Advisory Groups (SEPAGs) to provide practical resources, technical assistance, and individualized support.

Our work includes strengthening and sustaining SEPAGs, improving family-school communication and collaboration, helping educators and families find, gather, and apply trusted information to strengthen their own practice, and using data, feedback, and lessons from the field to guide BRIDGE’s continuous improvement. There is no shortage of information about special education and family engagement. BRIDGE helps people identify what they need, what they can trust, and how to put it into practice.

OUR MAJOR FOCUS AREAS

SEPAG Development

SEPAG Development, Improvement, and Sustainability

Special Education Parent Advisory Groups (SEPAGs) give families a direct way to learn, connect, and collaborate around the programs, policies, and services that affect students with disabilities. Rutgers BRIDGE provides support to both district and parent group leaders and makes free resources available online.

NJTSS

NJTSS Understanding and Home Support

New Jersey’s Tiered System of Supports (NJTSS) provides a powerful framework for meeting the diverse needs of all students, and it’s more effective when families understand what supports are available and how to access them. We support district efforts to communicate with and engage families around NJTSS.

Literacy Partnerships

Family and School Literacy Partnerships

Strong literacy skills are the foundation of learning. BRIDGE supports families and schools in building the reading habits, skills, and environments that help students with disabilities thrive as readers and communicators.

FEATURED RESOURCES

Explore guides, toolkits, and strategies designed to support families and educators. Our resources provide practical information on special education, SEPAGs, literacy, NJTSS, and family engagement that you can use right away.

Resource Library ›

SEPAG Parent Leader Starter Kit

SEPAG Parent Leader Starter Kit
SEPAG Community Outreach for Parent Leaders

SEPAG Community Outreach for Parent Leaders
October Drop-in SEPAG Support Hours

October Drop-in SEPAG Support Hours
Resource Library

FROM THE BLOG

Helping Your Child Speak Up: Building Self-Advocacy Skills at School Special Education

Helping Your Child Speak Up: Building Self-Advocacy Skills at School
Why Transitions Matter: Helping Children with Special Needs Move from Summer to School Special Education

Why Transitions Matter: Helping Children with Special Needs Move from Summer to School
BRIDGE Spotlight: Leslie Ponzo, Working Group Member & SEPAG Leader Spotlight

BRIDGE Spotlight: Leslie Ponzo, Working Group Member & SEPAG Leader
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UPCOMING EVENTS

Join us for upcoming webinars, workshops, and learning opportunities. BRIDGE events bring together families, educators, and district leaders to share strategies, build connections, and strengthen support for students across New Jersey.

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