Autism Program Added At Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School For Next School Year

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education(BOE) approved a middle school autism program for students already in the district who are moving up next school year.

During the July 21 BOE meeting, district administrators described the program as serving seven students at the middle school.

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Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Karen Jones said the program includes seven students, one teacher, and four instructional aides.

She added that the students who would partake in the program are already in the district.

Jones also said the program is tied in part to the move of sixth grade to the middle school.

As part of the referendum, fourth grade is moving to the intermediate schools and sixth grade is now moving to the middle school. This shift is to make room for full-day kindergarten in the primary schools.

The discussion centered on keeping students in district and closer to home.

"We believe we can do a better job than out-of-district providers," and said the program gives parents "the opportunity to send their children to the neighborhood school versus when students are placed out of district," said Superintendent Robert Beers.

Beers added that out-of-district placements can mean bus rides "some distance away," which "can be a difficult transition" for a student with a disability.

Board members also discussed continuity for students as they move through the district.

The district also said it already has autism classes at Crim, Bradley Gardens, Milltown, Hillside and the high school, and that the middle school program will "fill that gap."

The program is "largely self-contained," according to Beers.

When asked about the least restrictive environment, Beers said, "The goal of special education is to integrate students as much as possible with the general population."

Beers said students interact with the general student body at times, including physical education partnerships, lunch and electives.

Board member Jeremy Li raised concerns about costs and alternatives.

In response, Beers said, "This is the in-house solution," and called it "a cost-effective program as well."

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