WEST ORANGE, NJ — The New Jersey School Boards Association recognized the West Orange High School “Introduction to Integrative iSTEM Program” at its annual Innovations in Special Education Awards on May 16 in Princeton. WOHS special needs educators Debra Coen and Jodie Goldstein were recognized for the creation of the successful program.
Superintendent Jeff Rutzky, Board President Laura Lab, Principal Hayden Moore and special services supervisor Connie Salimbeno were also in attendance for the prestigious award ceremony.
“There were 48 applications from around the state for this recognition, and we were one of 10 selected,” Coen said in a press release.
The West Orange High School iSTEM program was adapted from the general education curriculum with appropriate modifications to pace complexity and assessment as determined by the student’s needs and IEP goals and objectives. The program was created in order to provide students with intellectual disabilities access to elective courses for transition planning.
“Due to their cognitive limitations, these students have limited exposure to general education and elective courses. Our goal is for students enrolled in the adapted iSTEM class to gain a comprehensive understanding of technology and engineering in a least restrictive environment (to optimize student achievement) while exploring careers in a technology-related field,” Coen said.
This was accomplished through modified hands-on project-based learning experiences. The iSTEM program is innovative not only due to the variety of STEM projects the students complete but also how the content is modified to meet individual student needs.
The program was initiated during the 2014-2015 school year by Coen, a technology and engineering teacher, and Goldstein, the transition coordinator for West Orange public schools. Dawn Ribeiro, supervisor of special education, and Ryan DelGuercio, supervisor of technology and engineering, supervise the program, which is funded as part of the Technology and Engineering Department budget.
Students enrolled in this program are in grades nine through 12, as well as being part of the 18-21 vocational training program. They are classified under special education and related services and receive academic instruction primarily within self-contained settings. Many receive related services including speech and occupational therapy, as well as instructional paraprofessionals for supports.
Within the iSTEM classroom setting, students are introduced to technology and engineering skills with a focus on critical thinking and problem solving. Specific topics include photography, electricity, roller coaster physics and structural design, where students learn to work in cooperative groups developing social skills that are critical for success in and out of the classroom setting. The design of the class enables students to work specifically on fine and gross motor skills, while exploring careers for transition planning.
“During the administration of the program we are continually evaluating student progress through teacher observation, hands-on and written assessments, and student feedback,” Coen said. “Assessments are tailored to Individual Education Programs and goals where we create baseline data assessments to determine student growth through the course. The program has been very successful in demonstrating student growth in the development of social skills, cooperative learning, problem solving through the design process and learning STEM principles.”
“I was honored to attend the NJSBA Recognition for Special Education programs,” Salimbeno said in the release. “Deb Coen and Jodie Goldstein worked diligently to establish this program. Three of our students also attended the recognition and were wonderful ambassadors for the program. I cannot say enough about the dedication of Deb, Jodie and staff, along with the creativity and effort developing this innovative program.”
Photos Courtesy of Cynthia Cumming
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