MTSS/NJTSS

MUTLI-TIERED SYSTEM OF SUPPORTS (MTSS)A multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) is a proactive and preventative framework that integrates data and instruction to maximize student achievement and support students social, emotional, and behavior needs from a strengths-based perspective.

New Jersey Tiered System of Supports

NJTSS is a framework of supports and interventions to improve student achievement, based on the core components of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and the three tier prevention logic of Response to Intervention (RTI). With a foundation of strong district and school leadership, a positive school culture and climate and family and community engagement, NJTSS builds on Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) and gives schools structure to meet the academic, behavioral, health, enrichment and social/emotional needs of all students. Scroll over an area of the triangle and click for information on the components of the system.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.nj.gov/education/njtss

CHILD STUDY TEAM
SERVICES

RESPONSE TO
INTERVENTION

I&RS

INTERVENTION AND REFERRAL SERVICES (I&RS) FOR STUDENTS IN GENERAL EDUCATION

The responsibility for establishing, implementing and evaluating programs of I&RS is clearly centered in the general education program, rather than special education. I&RS programs are intended to be used as a primary mechanism in a school building for assisting general education staff and expanding their skills and abilities to successfully accommodate the needs of significant numbers of students in the general education program who are at risk or are experiencing difficulties.

I&RS programs are not intended to replace traditional methods or resources for helping students to function effectively in school. They exist primarily to bring particularly difficult or repeat cases into focus using available resources in a coordinated manner. The learning, behavior and health issues presented to the team must in some way be related to the educational process.

A child may be referred to I&RS if he/ she is experiencing academic, emotional, and/or be- havioral difficulties. The I&RS Team meets regularly to devise and plan and provide interventions for those students who experiencing significant academic, behavioral or emotional difficulties in the classroom.

Please note by code that interventions in the classrooms shall be provided to students exhibiting academic difficulties and shall be utilized, as appropriate, prior to referring a student for an evaluation of eligibility for special education and related services [N.J.A.C. 6A-14-3.3(b)].

If you have any questions regarding Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) at Harmony Township School, please contact Daryle Weiss, at 908-859-1001 x150.

Taken from NJDOE I&RS Resource Manual

Section 504

SECTION 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a civil rights act prohibiting discrimination based on a disability. The statute ensures that an eligible student with an impairment receives reasonable accommodations necessary for the student to access school-related programs and activities.

A student may be considered disabled under the definition of Section 504 if the student has, or has a record of, or is regarded as having, a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities.

The referral process shall be initiated by the 504 Coordinator, Daryle Weiss, in response to any written request initiated by any appropriate party familiar with the student’s education.
The Section 504 committee shall determine if the student meets the requirements of an eligible individual under Section 504 by discussing the following: (a) if a mental or physical impairment exists, (b) if the impairment substantially limits any of the student’s major life functions, (c) how the impairment affects the student across the educational program, and (d) if the student is eligible for an accommodation plan.

Accommodations shall be included in the 504 plan, along with any modifications or services the student may need. Educational services, testing accommodations, and extracurricular activities shall be considered during the decision- making process.

Should you have any questions regarding Section 504 at Harmony Township School, please contact Daryle Weiss, 504 Coordinator, at 908-859-1001 x150.

CHILD STUDY TEAM SERVICES

CHILD STUDY TEAM SERVICES

In accordance with New Jersey State Law, the Child Study Team is composed of a Psychologist, Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant, Social Worker, Speech Therapist, Nurse and, as needed, a consulting physician. The purpose of the team is to aid teachers, parents and students in providing the proper educational program for students. As of 2019, the CST is led by Ryanne Bigelli and works cluster wide to provide services to our students. A parent or teacher can make requests for a CST referral. SEE MORE

GATE

GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION (GATE)

The Harmony Township School provides opportunities for those students identified as Gifted and Talented. The program utilized by the district encompasses school-wide enrichment opportunities as well as identified target instruction. Children are identified in grades K-8 through multiple measures. For those students identified, pullout instruction is provided. The Harmony Township School is a member of the Warren County Consortium for Student Enrichment and participates in many events through the course of the school year, such as Battle of the Books, Strategic Thinking Day, Forensics, Battle of the Minds and Debates.

RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (RTI)

RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (RtI)

Harmony Township School currently offers RtI in Language Arts and Math. Response to intervention is a multi-tiered approach to providing services and interventions to students who are having difficulties academically. At each step, students are closely monitored to make certain that progress is being made. As interventions become more intense with each tier, results are used to make decisions about the needs for further research-based instruction and possible evaluation for other services. This process provides for early identification through universal screenings and interventions to support student learning. SEE MORE